Polestar confirms big changes for Polestar 2 with more range, performance, shift to RWD
The Polestar 2 receives a minor facelift in 2023, but there are substantial changes under the skin. Images: Polestar
Single Motor variants shift to rear wheel drive
Long Range variants receive larger 82kWh battery, with up to 635km WLTP range
Standard Range retains 69kWh battery, faster charging (135kW) and greater range (518km WLTP)
Performance figures increased across the board, with the fastest dual-motor Polestar 2 hitting 100km/h (62mph) in 4.2seconds
What has Polestar changed for the 2024 model year?
The Polestar 2 has only been on sale globally for a couple of years, but we’re already seeing some significant improvements - more on that later. First up, the entry-model Polestar 2 Single Motor Standard Range shifts its electric motor to the rear, following Volvo’s recent announcement. This motor has also been enhanced, now producing 200kW of power (up from 170kW) and 490Nm of torque (up from 330Nm). This will result in a 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds.
This model retains the same battery capacity of 69kWh, but the new pack from LG Chem features improved cell chemistry, upgraded busbars (basically all the electrical connections between cells and modules) and a reduced carbon footprint during manufacturing.
The new front-end design of the Polestar 2.
DC charging speed has increased marginally to 135kW - we’ll have to see a DC charging curve to know what that means in terms of how long you’ll be waiting though.
Driver Awareness features are now standard, as they should have been from the outset. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, along with the 360-degree surround view camera and automatic dimming exterior mirrors are included on all models.
Mild exterior styling changes in the form of new wheels and the addition of the single-piece “SmartZone” from the Polestar 3 are included, though we’re unsure if the accelerometers and ultrasonic sensors from the upcoming SUV have made it into the Polestar 2’s SmartZone.
Polestar 2 MY24 Image Gallery
What do I get with the new Long Range Polestar 2 models?
Polestar’s Long Range Single Motor (LRSM) and Long Range Dual Motor (LRDM) models benefit the most from these changes, receiving a 4kWh bump to the battery capacity, taking the total to 82kW. CATL still provides the cells for these two models. DC rapid charging up to 205kW is now included, thanks to the abovementioned battery improvements.
Carbon emissions have also come down by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes/car (previously 7 tonnes/car), thanks to improved cell chemistry. A full life cycle assessment (LCA) is planned later in 2023.
The LRSM model would be EV Brief’s pick; range is up from 540km (WLTP) to 635km, and power and torque increases see a considerable leap in performance, lowering the 0-100km/h time to 6.2 seconds (down from 7.4 seconds). The rear-mounted motor in the LRSM Polestar 2 now outputs 220 kW and 490Nm.
The updated Polestar 2 AWD with Performance Package
The LRDM, now offers 310kW/740Nm, lowering its 0-100km/h sprint time to 4.5 seconds, while the LRDM performance package packs 350kW/740Nm for a 4.2 second 0-100km/h time.
Polestar claims a new rear-drive bias for the AWD system increases driving pleasure and performance thanks to a completely re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor.
“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”
Online orders for the updated model open in Q2, with European deliveries expected to start shortly after. Australian customers will be able to to get their hands on the updataed model sometime in Q3 2023.
EV Brief’s Take:
These changes to the Polestar 2 signify far more than new tech and new styling. Like the regular software updates pushed to the car, the direction of Polestar reflects the lead established by Tesla in the industry. Customers have now been conditioned to expect both physical and digital changes to a vehicle continually, rather than just a one-off “refresh” halfway through its lifecycle; the MY24 Polestar 2 demonstrates Polestar’s commitment to its customers (and investors) that the brand is continually improving.