Polestar presents Australia's first EV-only drive in cinema in Sydney
An EV-only drive-in is coming to Sydney from May 4-7, and Polestar 2 owners will receive complimentary tickets to the screenings.
Polestar Australia is partnering with Mov’in Car, creating a pop-up event in Sydney from May 4 – 7 at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
This event is exclusively for drivers of pure electric vehicles, and any brand is welcome - Polestar 2 owners will receive complimentary access.
Moviegoers will have the choice of the following films:
Thursday 4th May – Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre
Friday 5th May – Avatar 2: The Way of Water
Saturday 6th May – The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Sunday 7th May – Dirty Dancing
Commenting on the event, Jonathan Williams, Head of Marketing at Polestar Australia said, “Polestar is all about redefining norms and reimagining the world around us in a more sustainable way. Electrifying the drive-in was on the wish list, and thanks to Mov’in Car, it has become a reality.”
Sessions will be powered by battery generators - hopefully using sustainable energy.
Tickets can be purchased at movincar.com.au
Polestar 2 owners should join the Australian owners’ Facebook group and register for tickets here.
Polestar confirms big changes for Polestar 2 with more range, performance, shift to RWD
Polestar has revealed an upcoming MY24 refresh of its Polestar 2 liftback. Larger batteries in long range models, greater range and performance across the board, and a switch to rear wheel drive for single motor variants signal Polestar aims to maintain growth and market presence.
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.
Polestar highlights future four EV model range - what features do we want included?
The Polestar 2 has been an important car for the automaker, both in terms of brand awareness and sales. We take a look at the future model range, technological developments and our wishlist for future features and technology.
L to R: The Polestar 2, 3, 4 and 5. Image: Polestar
Polestar’s global expansion
Polestar launched its 25th global market in the first half of 2022, a significant increase from 10 markets in 2020. Polestar has added six new markets since the start of 2022, including UAE, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Ireland, Spain and Portugal. The company also plans to launch in Israel and Italy in the second half of 2022, adding to its Middle East and European footprint. By the end of 2023, Polestar plans to be present in an aggregate of at least 30 markets globally. The Polestar 2 has been on sale in Australia and New Zealand for most of 2022, and has been a considerable sales success.
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, says: “Selling already in 25 countries across the globe, Polestar has a unique position in the pure play EV market. We are a real company, not one based on slideshow promises. More than 55,000 Polestar cars are on the roads globally today and we are launching a stunning portfolio of three new models in just three years. These gorgeous EVs are all in advanced development stages, and we have the ability to produce great quality cars with our experienced industrial partners.”
The future Polestar model range
The Polestar 1 hybrid super-coupe
The Polestar 1 was a limited run hybrid supercar. A proof of concept if you will, allowing design and development of the Polestar 2 to proceed while building brand and product awareness. The Polestar 2 liftback has demonstrated the brand can mass-produce a battery electric vehicle — over 55,000 are on roads worldwide currently — and that its core values of progressive design and sustainability resonate with a large chunk of the electric vehicle market.
The Polestar 2 AWD performance we recently reviewed.
If the Polestar 1 was an amuse bouche, the Polestar 2 is well and truly the main course (or entree in American parlance) Designed as a global vehicle for the profitable premium SUV segment, the Polestar 3 will be built in the United States and China, and will likely compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQC/EQE, Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX. Dynamically, it’s expected that Polestar will also be targeting ICE competitors such as the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. This will be a tech-laden, performance oriented SUV, debuting Polestar’s LiDAR-based active safety systems and its next generation in-car software and user interface.
The Polestar 4, teased above, appears to have a coupe/SUV-like profile, and will go head to head with the excellent Porsche Macan (which will soon be electrified). We’re expecting the Polestar 4 to enter production in China from 2023. According to a statement from Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath to the media, he has previously quoted a €45,000 entry price for the Polestar 4, and a €75,000 entry price for the larger Polestar 3. That works out to roughly AUD$67,000 and A$112,000 respectively.
Lastly, and certainly not least, we have the Polestar 5. It’s a looker for sure, and uses a revolutionary new bonded aluminium platform developed by Polestar’s UK engineering team. This large performance sedan will pump out 640kW of power and 900Nm of torque, and you can read our coverage of it here.
In a recent investor presentation by aforementioned CEO Thomas Ingenlath (watch it above), Polestar reveals a few interesting feautres of its flagship vehicle. From the image with the clay model, the front end design appears to be simplified compared to the Precept. One shot from the video shows high-performance Akebono brakes — still in Polestar’s signature gold — but it signifies a departure from the Brembo partnership on the Polestar 2 sedan. The Polestar 1 featured 6-piston aluminium monoblock calipers from Akebono.
The interior of the Polestar 5, 4 and 3 will be a big departure from the Polestar 2; while we’re fond of the Polestar 2’s interior, there’s a lot of components borrowed straight from the Volvo parts bin, and while contemporary and premium, the cabin doesn’t feel next-generation.
We’ll have to wait and see the production Polestar 3 in October this year for confirmation, but we expect many more bespoke parts and switchgear when compared to the Polestar 2.
A clay model of the Polestar 5. The frontal area is expected to house radar and lidar active safety components.
The Polestar 5 will feature high performance brakes by Japanese company Akebono, similar to the Polestar 1
The Polestar 5 will move away from the Volvo parts bin, with a bespoke interior.
EV Brief’s wishlist for future Polestar products
Polestar offers a unique combination of a design and performance-focused model range, underpinned by an environmentally conscious and mission statement, and the Polestar 2 is unquestionably an excellent debut mass-market vehicle. There is however room for improvement, and we’d like to see innovation in the brand’s future offerings:
Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality
Hyundai and Kia offer it, Ford and Rivian in the US even have standard household outlets fitted to their EVs. Mobility — and the way we use our vehicles — is changing, and the ability to power and charge tools and devices is a no brainer for a battery on wheels. This should be standard on any EV in development.
800 Volt Electrical architecture
We know its coming; we just don’t know when (or on which Polestar model). The Polestar 2 charges reasonably fast at a peak speed of 150kW, but It can’t compare to Tesla’s 250kW, or the charging speeds of the Porsche Taycan (270kW) or Hyundai Ioniq 5/Kia EV6 twins (220kW). 800 volt architecture is a game changer for electric vehicles. With higher voltage, lower current is required for DC fast charging, improving thermal efficiency and preventing overheating. This is one reason 400 volt electric vehicles charge so slowly from 80 percent state of charge.
Improvements in Polestar’s lane guidance and autonomous functions
Nothing comes close to Tesla’s autopilot for accuracy or driver confidence in semi-autonomous features. Tesla’s main benefit is its Neural Network which combines vehicle data, camera images and road data with machine learning to improve the autopilot system. While we don’t expect to see anything similar from Polestar, there’s definitely room for improvement in the software that controls lane guidance and adaptive cruise control to provide a smoother drive.
Software improvements
While generally good, Polestar’s app is buggy, and it’s data connection is glitchy, with many users reporting issues with the telematics system, requiring a full reboot. We’ve had issues with the LTE connection on every Polestar press vehicle we’ve tested, and it’s just not good enough in 2022 from a premium brand (or any brand for that matter). The company must work to improve the user software experience if it hopes to gain conquest business from Tesla.
Range extender mode
We appreciate the Polestar 2’s minimalistic interface, however its lack of an “eco” mode hampers the ability to really squeeze extra range out of the car when necessary. While quite efficient, the Polestar 2 isn’t best in class by any means, and drivers only have an option to set the climate control to eco. Future Polestar vehicles should have a mode which not only cuts off climate control, but limits power consumption, acceleration inputs and anything else that affects range.
Polestar and Hertz announce global partnership - up to 65k EVs will be added to rental fleet
Customers in Europe, North America and Australia will be able to rent a Polestar 2 from select Hertz locations before the end of 2022, as the company announces a deal to purchase up to 65,000 of the Swedish designed/Chinese made EVs.
Hertz has signed a deal with Polestar to purchase up to 65,000 electric Polestar 2’s for its global rental fleet. Images: Polestar
Polestar and Hertz have announced a global partnership that will include the purchase of up to 65,000 Polestar 2 EVs over five years. Hertz expects customers will be able to rent a Polestar from this Spring in Europe, and late 2022/early 2023 in Australia and North America.
Hertz has committed to lead the electrification of rental fleets, with the company previously leasing Tesla Model 3s and more recently, Model Ys.
For Hertz, the partnership is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to lead in electrification within the rental vehicle business, as the company targets a digital-first customer experience. The partnership with Polestar builds on Hertz’s announcement last October to offer its customers the largest EV rental fleet in North America and one of the largest in the world. In addition to making the fleet available to its business and leisure customers, Hertz is extending EVs to rideshare drivers as a way to further accelerate electrification.
“We are excited to partner with Polestar and look forward to introducing their premium EV products into our retail and rideshare fleets,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO. “Today’s partnership with Polestar further builds on our ambition to become a leading participant in the modern mobility ecosystem and doing so as an environmentally-forward company. By working with EV industry leaders like Polestar, we can help accelerate the adoption of electrification while providing renters, corporate customers and rideshare partners a premium EV product, exceptional experience and lower carbon footprint.”
“Polestar is committed to accelerating the move to electric mobility with a fascinating and innovative product portfolio,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “We are delighted that Hertz has chosen Polestar as a strategic partner on their road to electrification. The partnership with a global pioneer like Hertz will bring the amazing experience of driving an electric car to a wider audience, satisfying a broad variety of our mutual customers’ short- and longer-term mobility requirements. For many of them it may be the first time they have driven an EV, and it will be a Polestar.”
Hertz will initially order Polestar 2, and Australians and North Americans can expect to see them available at major metropolitan rental locations before the end of 2022. Europeans will be able to rent a Polestar 2 first, with the fleet upgrade scheduled for Spring this year.
The Polestar O2 is a cool convertible concept electric roadster
Polestar has unveiled its hero car - a 2+2 electric hardtop roadster based on a bespoke aluminium platform, showcasing advanced technology designed to maximise sustainability and driving enjoyment.
The Polestar O2 is a 2+2 roadster, with a built-in autonomous camera drone. Images: Polestar
Polestar has pulled the covers of a new concept car, named the Polestar O2. An electric 2+2 roadster based on a bespoke aluminium platform, this hard-top convertible is Polestar’s hero car, and a vision for how sports cars will embrace an electric future.
“Polestar O2 is the hero car for our brand,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “It opens the door to our secret chamber of future potential. This is a taste of what we can design and engineer with the talent and technology we have in-house. It looks incredible, and being able to lower the roof and not hear an engine promises a superb sensation.”
Exterior design of the Polestar O2
Sharing exterior design cues with the Polestar Precept (it’s face is a pleasing mix of established brand elements, and just a hint of McLaren) the Polestar O2 is even more dramatic and aggressive, with pronounced cuts, vents, intakes and body panels. There are disguised design features like integrated ducts that improve laminar air flow over the wheels and body sides, and the rear lights that function as air blades to reduce turbulence behind the car.
Technology and Sustainability
The Polestar O2 is also about demonstrating that the brand is tech-forward, and environmentally conscious; a new thermoplastic single base material is used to manufacture different components, and recycled polyester is the sole material used for all the soft components of the interior including foam, adhesive, woven fibres and non-woven lamination.
Within the chassis, different grades of aluminium are labelled, allowing them to be recycled more effectively and for their properties to be retained for future use. High grade aluminium remains high grade, while other grades maintain their varied characteristics, allowing for greater material efficiency and a lower requirement for virgin aluminium. Polestar has built its brand on sustainability and the pursuit of a carbon-neutral, recyclable car, and any advances made in the O2 manufacturing process will undoubtedly (eventually) filter down to the brand’s volume sellers.
Polestar says the driving experience in the Polestar O2 is designed to be “lively, light and full of confidence”. Designers are aiming for tight body control, high rigidity and intuitive dynamics; traits that the company says are inherent benefits of the bespoke bonded aluminium platform which is adapted from the Polestar 5, but traits that are often elusive for a heavy battery electric vehicle.
The high quality and rigidity of the bonded aluminium platform are geared towards heightened dynamic response. Handling dynamics are taut thanks also to small roll angles and high roll damping, and the agile, direct steering feel is linear, with great steering torque build-up.
Read more about the Polestar 5 and its bonded aluminium platform here
Did you say the Polestar O2 has a built in drone?
For the content creation generation, Polestar engineers have integrated an autonomous cinematic drone developed in conjunction with Aerofugia’s consumer electronics brand Hoco Flow. It’s the perfect accessory for when you’re cruising between Cannes and Antibes on the French Riviera (assuming you don’t run into any other Polestar O2 drivers creating their next viral video)
Of course it’s not “just” a drone; Polestar engineers have developed a specialised aerofoil that raises behind the rear seats to create a calm area of negative pressure that allows the drone to take off when the car is on the move. it operates autonomously, automatically following the car at speeds up to 90 km/h, and after filming, the drone can autonomously return to the car. Video clips can be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch centre display when the car is parked.
“We wanted to emphasise the experience you can have with a car like the Polestar O2 in new and unusual ways,” continues Maximilian Missoni. “Integrating an autonomous cinematic drone was something that allowed us to push the boundaries on the innovation front. Not needing to stop and off-load the drone before filming, but rather deploying it at speed, is a key benefit to this innovative design.”
While the Polestar O2 is still a few years away from Production, the company is expected to launch the US-built Polestar 3 SUV in 2023, and two additional models by 2025. There will be some changes from this striking concept no doubt, but if the automaker’s intentions to retain the best bits of the Precept Concept in the production version of the Polestar 5 are anything to go by, the Polestar O2 will still be an incredible vehicle when it hits the road.
Polestar O2 Image Gallery
Polestar 5 electric sports sedan set to use revolutionary bonded aluminium platform
Polestar is working on an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both body and platform in unison.
The Polestar 5 will closely resemble the Precept concept car.
The Polestar 5 — based on the Precept concept — is shaping up to be a technological tour-de-force, with the announcement from the automaker that the upcoming model will feature a revolutionary bespoke bonded aluminium platform.
Auto manufacturing is a constant juggling exercise, finding the fulcrum between low weight for efficiency and performance, and strength for safety. Aluminium is a lightweight material, but traditional welding techniques require additional metal for strength, somewhat negating the intended weight advantage. Bonded aluminium is light-weight and rigid, offering exceptional performance and “green” advantages, according to Polestar. We understand the process involves special adhesives and screws, rather than traditional welding.
According to Polestar, while this technology has previously proven labour-intensive and difficult to use in mass production vehicles without sacrificing quality, the company’s 280-strong team of former Formula 1, low volume and bespoke sports cars engineers in the UK have resolved the challenges associated with bonding technology by developing an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both body and platform in unison.
Polestar 5 manufacturing process gallery
As a result of the new materials and techniques involved, the body-in-white (completed platform and body) is expected to weigh less than that of cars in smaller segments, contributing to improved vehicle efficiency, real-world EV range and dynamic responsiveness, all while delivering leading safety levels. The new bonded aluminium platform will also help drive faster product introduction, high quality and platform rigidity.
“Our UK R&D team is one of Polestar’s greatest assets,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Their mix of engineering and technological expertise enables us to develop advanced, light-weight sports car technology with a creative mindset and a spirit that embraces innovative engineering. This will set Polestar apart in the years to come.”
By further developing this technology for Polestar’s first in-house platform, the 4-door Polestar 5 is being designed with torsional rigidity superior to that of a traditional two-seat sports- or supercar. The decision to develop a bespoke platform has also enabled the brand to deliver a production model that remains true to the Precept concept car that inspired it.
“We knew we wanted this car to be light-weight, we knew we wanted high quality and we knew we wanted it quickly,” says Pete Allen, Head of Polestar UK R&D. “This architecture delivers outstanding dynamic and safety attributes, with low investment technology applicable to high production volumes.”
Although without any distinguishing features in the above images, the Polestar 5 appears to retain the design character of the Polestar Precept concept, visible in the long hood, raked rear design and cut-off rear decklid. It also appears to be quite a large vehicle, when seen alongside a Polestar employee.
We expect the production Polestar 5 to be unveiled late 2022 - early 2023, ahead of a global market introduction in 2024.
Polestar Precept given production green light; will be named Polestar 5
The Polestar 5 is a large luxury sedan, scheduled to enter series production in 2024. It should compete with premium electric heavyweights like the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS and EQE.
The Polestar 5 is
Just look at it. The high waistline, that menacingly raked roofline. The Polestar 5 is one handsome beast. Derived from the Precept concept car in 2020, it’s pleasing to see not a huge amount has changed on the exterior of the vehicle from Polestar’s original concept.
The Precept was created to highlight the automaker’s broad and bold vision; one of sustainability including recycled materials for vehicle components as well as carbo n neutral vehicle production, of impressive performance and advanced safety, and of cutting edge in-vehicle technology. Such was the public response to this car that Polestar decided to green-light its production.
Polestar has revealed a little bit more about the Precept, in its multi-part online documentary series From Concept to Car. According to Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, “With the Precept documentary series we are intentionally doing something car companies usually don’t – going behind the scenes with transparency as we turn this stunning concept car into production reality. It makes me very proud to see how much of the concept car’s design is making it into the Polestar 5 – a great achievement by our designers and engineers alike,”
Exterior design cues from the Polestar 5 are also expected to tease the production version of the first full-size SUV from the brand, the Polestar 3. Not much is known about this car at the moment, except that it is scheduled to be revealed in 2022, and will run Polestar/Volvo’s dual motor AWD battery electric drivetrain.
The Polestar 3 will be a very important car for the brand, and will be manufactured in the United States - at least for the North American market - to go head to head with other luxury and internal combustion engined SUVs from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Cadillac and Porsche.
The Polestar 5 is expected to be unveiled in late 2023, ahead of Northern Hemisphere customer deliveries in 2024.
Polestar’s Precept is the inspiration for the Polestar 5.
The Precept’s interior features many sustainable and recycled materials, but expect more conventional appointments in the finished production version.
Polestar 2 EV set for Australian launch, starting from $59,900
With three models to choose from starting with the $59,900 standard range single motor version, customers will have a direct rival to Tesla’s Model 3 Standard Range + in the Australian market.
The Polestar 2 kicks off in Australia from $59,990 MSRP. Images: Polestar
Polestar 2 range to start from $59,900 MSRP (approx. $64,500 drive away)
3 models available at launch, with 2 options packages
Performance package including Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out available on dual motor variant
5 year warranty, roadside assistance and servicing included
On sale from January 2022
The long-awaited Polestar 2 is one step closer to Australia, with pricing announced this morning. Kicking off at $59,900 MSRP for the single motor standard range model, that places it in line with the $59,900 MSRP Tesla Model 3, and undercuts the similarly-specified Hyundai Kona Electric Extended Range, Nissan Leaf e+ and Kia Niro Electric. It also positions the single motor variants under the various thresholds set by Australian states and territories to qualify for EV incentives, meaning that buyers should be able to secure EV rebates in NSW and Victoria, and stamp duty concessions in NSW, and the ACT.
Polestar 2 Australian Pricing and Specifications
| Model | Price (MSRP) | Battery Size | Range/Efficiency | Power/Torque | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polestar 2 single motor SR | $59,900 | 64 kWh | 440 km - 17.1 kWh/100 km | 165 kW/330 Nm | front wheel drive |
| Polestar 2 single motor LR | $64,900 | 78 kWh | 540 km - 17.1 kWh/100 km | 170 kW/330 Nm | front wheel drive |
| Polestar 2 dual motor LR | $69,900 | 78 kWh | 480 km - 19.4 kWh/100 km | 300 kW/660 Nm | all wheel drive |
View the full specifications listing on our Australian EV price list
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, folding frameless mirrors, Polestar digital key, foot operated tailgate, Android Automotive operating system, four USB-C connections, semi-electric front seats with heating and embossed textile seats. Polestar has promised that over-the-air updates will make it to Australia — a key feature missing from Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 5 — and that the Android Automotive operating system will be standard.
Two options packages will be available to order across the model range, while a Performance Pack will be available to buyers of the Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 2.
Ideally, there are a number of these features below that I would have liked to have seen as standard equipment, but I can understand Polestar’s prioritisation of attaining the lowest possible price point.
Polestar 2 Options Packages
The Pilot Pack ($5,000) provides enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning and Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights.
The Plus Pack ($6,000) includes a full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13-speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wiper nozzles.
The Plus Pack also includes a heat pump, which reduces the need to use valuable battery capacity to prepare and sustain the cabin climate. The system uses ambient heat, as well as residual thermal energy from the drivetrain, to reduce energy requirements for climate control by as much as 50 per cent. In colder weather, and most effectively between 5-15 degrees Celsius, as much as a 10 per cent improvement in range can be achieved.
The Performance Pack is available for the Long range Dual motor variant only, and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out.
Why are we excited about the Polestar 2?
The Polestar 2 represents greater consumer choice in the Australian EV market - an awesome thing for consumers. It’s also a (in this writer’s opinion) damn-good looking EV. While we’d like to have seen some of the above optional features come as standard, such as the vegan interior, advanced safety features and sunroof, we understand Polestar’s positioning to take advantage of various EV incentives in Australia.
Polestar’s integration of Android Automotive — as distinct from Android Auto — is a world first, and from what I’ve seen provides a clear, simple and fast UI for drivers and passengers, while integrating the best that Google has to offer. Additional features and apps will be available through over the air system updates too, and access to Google’s ‘Play Store’ App store will allow drivers to add new apps to the vehicle, just as they can on their smartphone.
While the Polestar 2 is based on the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) as Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, and can’t compete with the energy efficiency of Tesla’s Model 3, it has received praise from overseas motoring publications, and is the recipient of numerous awards.
Polestar is a brand to watch; with backing from Chinese automotive giant Geely, they have the deep pockets to become a serious brand in their own right. Polestar also leads the industry with its sustainability ambitions, and desire to produce a fully carbon-neutral car by 2030.
We received this statement from a Polestar Australia representative in relation to launch timing: “The Polestar 2 will be on sale in Australia from January 2022 and pre-order timing will be the subject of a future announcement.”
Polestar 2 Image Gallery
Polestar doubles UK R&D team, shows off Precept EV prototype
The automaker announces the expansion of it’s UK R&D centre, with staff numbers expected to grow from 250 employees to 500. Polestar has also released an image of an early prototype Precept sedan.
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.
Polestar highlights climate impact of the Polestar 2 EV, aims for environmental transparency
Polestar publishes the carbon footprint details of its Polestar 2 model range, aiming to lead the industry in transparency and sustainability through Life Cycle Assessments.
The Polestar 2. Images: Polestar
Polestar has just published full details of the carbon footprint of its latest models, in a move to improve transparency around the auto manufacturing process, and drive an industry-wide shift to sustainable mobility.
Tesla leads the automotive world with its Impact Report, published annually to highlight the company’s own sustainable mobility and energy push, and provide data from all aspects of the business including commodities sourcing, materials recycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and company workforce diversity.
Polestar’s Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) consider a range of factors in a car’s life cycle, from supply to manufacture to recycling, and summarise this climate impact in a single number.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, says: “Carmakers need to take full responsibility. Every week, we see a new announcement that an automaker is changing direction towards electrification. But going electric alone is not enough. Making cars electric is not the end game, it is a starting point. We need to be honest and transparent.”
Polestar wants to go further, and urges the industry to adopt greater transparency to rebuild consumer trust. Events like Volkswagen Group’s “Dieselgate” destroyed consumer trust in the group’s brands, and according to Polestar, recent research proves that only one in four consumers trust car manufacturers to be transparent and to operate in the best interests of society, and that over half of consumers demand more transparency and the ability to compare CO2 footprints between cars. Polestar says the adoption of an industry-wide standard could be the key.
The new LCA has found that the new Polestar 2 variants – Long range Single motor and Standard range Single motor – leave the factory with carbon footprints ranging between 24 and 25 tonnes of CO2e, a number that remains flat during the use phase if the car is charged with green energy. The existing Long range Dual motor’s footprint was previously declared to be 26,2 tonnes of CO2e in 2020.
“We are working towards net-zero production emissions, but our LCA shows that Polestar 2 is already a climate solution. EV technology provides a car with less than half the carbon impact of an equivalent petrol car if charged with green energy,” says Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability at Polestar.
While the manufacturing of electric vehicles can result in emissions as high or even higher than internal combustion vehicles, we know that the life cycle emissions of EVs are a small fraction of internal combustion equivalents. The below graph from Polestar, showing the differences in the LCA score from renewable vs. non-renewable energy sources, demonstrate that the clean energy can effectively halve the score of each model.
View the LCA graphs supplied by Polestar below, and view the automaker’s sustainability goals and 2020 review here.
The LCA figures for the Polestar 2 range, with different energy sources.
A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.
A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor.
A LCA comparison of the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor.
Polestar confirms entry into Australian and key Asian markets by end of 2021
Polestar has today announced the expansion of its global footprint in 2021 with the addition of five new markets in the Asia Pacific region.
Polestar expands into five new markets in 2021 including Australia and New Zealand
Polestar to add five new markets across Asia Pacific
Polestar 2 will be available in 18 markets across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific by end of 2021, including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore
Polestar has today announced the expansion of its global footprint in 2021 with the addition of five new markets in the Asia Pacific region. These markets will join three new and previously announced European markets, bringing Polestar’s global footprint to 18 countries by the end of the year. The new markets include South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
“The brand is gathering real momentum, and it is great to be expanding with Polestar 2 beyond our initial global markets in China, North America and Europe,” says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
Preparations in these markets are at different stages as the brand organises market launches and eventually the opening of online sales. Specific dates and details for each market will be published locally to include model specification and product pricing.
Key for Australia and South Korea, local independent Polestar sales units are being established and new Managing Directors have already been appointed. In Australia the local organisation will be led by Samantha Johnson, and Jongsung Ham will head up Polestar in South Korea. The other markets will likely be operated on an importer basis, with local partners to be confirmed in due course.
According to Nathan Forshaw, Polestar’s new head of the China and Asia Pacific regions, “specific roll-out timing is at an advanced planning stage and the recruitment of key individuals has begun.” He adds “While we are growing rapidly, we are ensuring both our organisation and processes ensure a consistent and truly Polestar experience for our customers, wherever they are based.”
Polestar has already had a presence in Europe and North America since launch in 2020, and retails the Polestar 2 through its website and its “Spaces”; a term for centrally located design-focused showrooms in the style of Tesla stores.
