Polestar doubles UK R&D team, shows off Precept EV prototype

The Polestar Precept development vehicle. Images: Polestar

Polestar has released this teaser image of the Precept sedan in development, and it’s the closest image we have seen yet of the final body design. A large, luxurious sedan, the Precept received so much positive acclaim after its worldwide reveal in 2020, that Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath announced the automaker would build it.

There’s one obvious change immediately apparent; the B pillar-less doors now features a B pillar; necessary for safety and side impact protection. While the Precept has a Tesla Model 3-esque silhouette in our view, it’s clear from the wheelbase that this is a much larger vehicle. Polestar has also stated that the Precept will remain true to the concept’s design as much as possible.

Gone are the “suicide” doors, replaced with conventional openings, though it appears the frameless design will remain.

Polestar’s Precept concept car

A two-tone diamond cut wheel is visible on the front axle, and appears to bear some resemblance to the concept’s wheels. It’s possible this design will make it to the production car. The rear wheel looks to be a prototype/testing wheel.

While we don’t have a firm release date on the Precept just yet, Polestar has communicated that production will start before 2025.

The manufacturer also announced an expansion of an R&D hub in the UK, with plans to increase its workforce from 250 employees to 500.

Polestar’s new facilities will be situated at the MIRA Technology Park in the heart of Motorsport Valley in the UK’s Midlands. MIRA Technology Park also offers access to a variety of specialised on-site equipment, including advanced battery testing, and an extensive test track network. A number of automotive engineering firms are located nearby.

“Going electric is a pivotal moment in the history of cars,” says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “The combination of British engineering talent and Swedish expertise will ensure our cars are among the highest performing and most sustainable on the road.”

The UK team will work in conjunction with the main Swedish R&D team, to “focus on ground-breaking engineering solutions in a bid to help Polestar reach its goals” according to the company.

The development of the Precept will be the main project for the UK team, and Pete Allen, Head of Polestar UK R&D said “Precept is a statement of intent for the brand in terms of design, technology and sustainability. The production car will take an important step on the journey towards climate neutrality, and ours will be the team that delivers that.”

The expansion in R&D is required to help Polestar grow its model range;. Expect to see more on the Polestar 3 large SUV soon; this model will be crucial to growing the brand’s market share in countries like China and the United States.