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.
The 2024 Polestar 5 prototype debuts at Goodwood with 640 kW (884 HP) and 900Nm
The Polestar 5 fastback makes its road debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, punching out 650kW and 900Nm.
The Polestar 5 makes its road debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Images: Polestar
Polestar is showing a development prototype of the Polestar 5 in public for the first time at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed (23-26 June). Polestar 5 is an evolution of the Precept concept car first shown in 2020.
First, the numbers. Polestar claims 650 kW (884 hp) and 900 Nm are the targeted output figures. That’s good. The Polestar 5 will sport a dual motor setup, but a new rear electric motor will provide superior output, along with 800-Volt architecture and a high-output front electric motor.
Pete Allen, Head of Polestar UK R&D, says: “Polestar 5 is shaping up to be a superb 4-door GT and a true Polestar at heart. The platform combines low-volume performance car attributes with modern technological advances to bring light-weight, high-rigidity sports car chassis technology into mass production.”
Jörg Brandscheid, Polestar’s CTO and Head of R&D, says: “The new powertrain we are working on will set a new brand benchmark in our high-performing cars. Combining strong electric motor engineering ability with advances in light-weight platform technology is leading to truly stunning driver’s cars.”
While the automaker didn’t reveal performance specifications, we do know that Polestar UK has been working on the car’s bonded aluminium chassis, said to develop a true performance car driving experience, with exceptional dynamics and reduced overall weight.
We expect the Polestar 5 to house a battery somewhere in the 100-105 kWh range, utilising an 800 Volt electrical architecture; a first for the brand. This will allow the four door GT to charge at speeds comparable to Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Porsche’s Taycan.
While the Polestar 5 appears to largely resemble the Precept concept car, there are a few design elements that are now more production ready. The front end has been simplified, and appears to leave room for the promised Lidar and sensor array of the Polestar 3 and 4. Expect the halogen lights on this Goodwood car to be replaced by full Pixel LED arrays. There’s a charge port on the front left fender, instead of just behind the front wheel, and the side mirrors appear to be lifted straight from the Polestar 2 (no bad thing).
Gone are the “suicide” rear doors in favour of regular pieces, and its possible that there is some active aero front and rear.
Polestar has also published this video below, following the successful SPAC listing with Gores Guggenheim, Inc. on the NASDAQ last week. We can see a workshop full of Polestar 5 prototypes:
In the below photo, we can see what is presumably the final shape of the chassis and body; The Polestar 5 looks to have a spacious interior, with seats set low around the vehicle’s battery modules. The large, side body panel with door openings and rear fender are spot welded to the bonded aluminium chassis.
In the background, we can see a Polestar 5 prototype without a front hood; from this image, it looks like the vehicle is packed full of motors and cooling equipment, and that there won’t be space for a front storage compartment.
Expect the Polestar 5 to be unveiled mid-2023, ahead of a market introduction in 2024. While not confirmed for Australia and New Zealand at the time of writing, we fully expect Polestar to bring its full model range down under.
Polestar 5 Prototype Image Gallery
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.
Polestar hits global target of 29,000 sales in 2021, plans to launch SUV in 2022
Meeting its 2021 global sales target and achieving record growth, Polestar plans to continue to expand its retail footprint ahead of launching its next vehicle in 2022.
The Polestar 2 launched in Australia in 2021, ahead of customer deliveries in Q1 2022. Images: Polestar
Polestar is an automaker with one model — the Polestar 2 sedan — in its line up, and is less than five years old as a company. It has also overcome global supply chain shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver on its 2021 targets, achieving 29,000 sales for the calendar year, representing year-on-year growth above 185 percent.
The automaker is admittedly backed by some big players; Chinese conglomerate Geely Holdings and Volvo, and is eyeing an investment deal with Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) Gores Guggenheim Inc. in 2022.
Polestar increased its global presence from 10 to 19 markets in 2021, with growth in Europe and Asia Pacific. In the first half of 2022, Polestar plans to add Spain, Portugal and Ireland to its European market footprint, and enter the Middle East with presence in the UAE, Kuwait and Israel. By the end of 2023, Polestar aims to be operating in at least 30 global markets.
Polestar launched its brand in Australia late in 2021, with media events and customer test drive pop-up locations. Customer deliveries are expected to commence in the first half of 2022, and retail “Spaces” will also be opened in prominent metropolitan areas.
Polestar now has over 100 retail locations globally, and expects to increase that by 50 percent by the end of 2022.
“We are delivering on our targets,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “It is a hugely exciting time for the brand, with new markets and models to support the ambitious growth plans we have set for ourselves. Thanks to the relentless dedication of Polestar employees across the globe, we are progressing with confidence towards our proposed public listing.”
Mike Whittington, Polestar’s Head of Sales, adds: “With strong new market launches and the fantastic reception of an expanded Polestar 2 model line-up, we have seen interest in Polestar and vehicle sales increase in all our markets. Our order intake is strong and we are looking forward to further growth in our sales volume again in 2022.”
In 2021, Polestar also announced its plans to launch three new cars in the coming three years. Polestar 3, a premium electric performance SUV, is set to launch in 2022 and will be the first Polestar to be built in the US (in Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina factory). Polestar 3 will benefit from advanced technologies from Luminar (LiDAR), Nvidia (GPUs) and Zenseact (autonomous technology) that will provide cutting-edge unsupervised autonomous driving functionality according to the company.
The Polestar 3 SUV will be revealed in 2022, and should become the brand’s biggest seller.
Volvo C40 Recharge EV production begins in Ghent, Belgium ahead of late 2021 European deliveries
Volvo’s second all electric vehicle is to be manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, and will offer a 78 kWh battery with 440 km WLTP range.
Volvo has started production of the C40 Recharge in Ghent, Belgium. Images: Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars has started production of its second fully electrified model, the C40 Recharge, at its manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium. The XC40 Recharge is also manufactured in this facility. Volvo Cars is increasing electric car capacity at the Ghent facility to 135,000 cars per year, and already expects more than half of the plant’s production volume in 2022 to consist of fully electric cars.
“The C40 Recharge is a car that represents our future,” said Javier Varela, senior vice president for industrial operations and quality at Volvo Cars. “Our manufacturing operations and a close collaboration with our suppliers are key in achieving our future ambitions in terms of electrification and climate neutrality. Our Ghent plant is ready for an all-electric future and will be an important part of our global industrial network for the years to come.”
The C40 Recharge follows the trend of carmakers taking a small crossover, tapering the roofline and rear glass, and calling it a coupe.
By 2030, Volvo Cars aims to sell only fully electric cars, and the automaker will roll out several additional fully electric models in coming years, aiming for 50 per cent of its global sales volume to consist of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) by 2025. Volvo also has ambitions to be a climate neutral company by 2040.
What’s under the C40 Recharge’s metal?
The C40 Recharge offers an all wheel drive setup, with twin electric motors powered by a 78kWh battery. Volvo quotes a 440km WLTP range; slightly higher than the 400km figure of the XC40 Recharge. The C40 can be fast-charged from to 10-80 per cent in about 40 minutes.
Based on the same platform as the XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2 which offers front and all wheel drive models, we can expect to see a front wheel drive, single motor version of the C40 Recharge too. In terms of Australian pricing, We anticipate an MSRP of around $80-85,000 AUD. For comparison, Polestar’s 2 all wheel drive is priced from $69,990, and the Volvo XC40 Recharge is priced from $76,990. At £57,000 ($105,717 AUD) in the UK, the C40 Recharge is priced well and truly in premium territory, slightly above Tesla’s Model Y at £54,990 ($101,893 AUD)
Volvo Cars Australia has confirmed a late-2022 market launch of the C40 Recharge.
Check out Autogefuhl’s video below for a full in-depth look at the C40 Recharge:
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 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 Australia confirms Australian management team, ahead of November Polestar 2 launch
Polestar is only 4 months away from the launch of its brand in Australia, and the market introduction of the Polestar 2 sedan. The Swedish electric-only automaker founded by Geely Holding and Volvo Cars has today announced further additions to its senior management team, after recently naming Australian-born Samantha Johnson — formerly of Volvo Cars Australia — as its managing director.
The Polestar 2 sedan. International model shown. Images: Polestar
Polestar is only 4 months away from the launch of its brand in Australia, and the market introduction of the Polestar 2 sedan. The Swedish electric-only automaker founded by Geely Holding and Volvo Cars has today announced further additions to its senior management team, after recently naming Australian-born Samantha Johnson — formerly of Volvo Cars Australia — as its managing director.
The new appointments are as follows:
Jeremy Goh - Head of Commercial. A senior leader of almost two decades in the automotive industry, Jeremy has worked in sales, network, and supply chain management roles in competitive and dynamic markets including China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Jeremy joins Polestar from Nissan Motor Co. Australia where he was the lead for Residual Value Management & Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Nissan, and General Manager, National Sales & Dealer Network Development for Infiniti. Prior to joining the Nissan Alliance, Jeremy held various roles within DaimlerChrysler / Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for 13 years. In his capacity as Head of Commercial Operations for Polestar, Jeremy will oversee sales, customer care, supply chain logistics, service network operations and technical support.
Paul Jowett - Head of Business Development. For the past 18 years, Paul has worked in senior management roles across a number of leading technology brands in Australia including Apple, Samsung, and Vodafone. Paul joins Polestar from Huawei where he was Director of Marketing for the retail team in the consumer electronics division. The Head of Business Development role will encompass Polestar’s operator network, retail, charging solutions, financial services, digital commerce and pricing.
Jonathan Williams – Head of Marketing. Jonathan is a creative marketer with a passion for disruptive technology as his experience can attest. Jonathan spent four years driving growth for PayPal, followed by seven years at Google where he led key product launches for Google Ads, Google Maps and Android Pay. He joins Polestar from tech start-up KLOOK, the most funded travel booking platform in history, where he held the role of Marketing Director – ANZ.
Commenting on the appointments, Ms. Johnson said “I am delighted to announce the Australian management team for Polestar, which brings the right mix of automotive know-how and a progressive, start-up mindset to the brand.
“The team will be instrumental in overseeing the launch of Polestar and the all-electric Polestar 2 to Australian audiences from November 2021, while playing a central role in achieving our ambitious growth plans for 2022.”
Although under the umbrella of conglomerate Geely-Volvo, Polestar is ostensibly a new startup, building its Australian staff, presence, and brand image from scratch. As we mentioned in previous coverage of the brand, Polestar’s vehicles will rely heavily on an online sales platform, complemented by physical showroom locations known as “Spaces”, to be located in heavily-trafficked central business districts. It’s not yet known whether Polestar plans to offer stand-alone service facilities, piggyback off Volvo’s Australian network, or servicing to customers’ homes and workplaces like Tesla.
Featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a 78 kWh battery, the Polestar 2 is based on the group’s Compact Modular Architecture platform, which underpins the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40, as well as a number of Geely and Lynk & Co vehicles. The car has already received many accolades globally, holding the crowns for German Car of the Year 2021 and Top Gear’s Best All-Round EV.
With unique styling, a spacious interior, great performance, and the only fully integrated Android Automotive in-car OS, the Polestar 2 is one of our most anticipated EVs for 2021. We’ll keep you updated on any Polestar news down under as it happens.
Polestar's Australian operations commence as Polestar 2 EV confirmed for November 2021
Polestar Automotive Australia’s managing director Samantha Johnson has confirmed in a pre-launch event that the brand will arrive in Australia from November 2021.
A US-spec Polestar 2. Image: Polestar
Polestar Automotive Australia’s managing director Samantha Johnson has confirmed in a pre-launch event that the brand will arrive in Australia from November 2021.
“We’re delighted to announce that the highly anticipated all-electric Polestar 2 is expected to be launched locally by November 2021,” Johnson said in a note by email.
“Polestar sees considerable potential in the Australian market, which is why it will be one of the first markets to launch as part of the company’s Asia Pacific expansion.”
The Polestar 2 is built in China by parent company Geely, and has met widespread acclaim overseas. Australia will be one of the first markets to receive the car outside the United States and Europe, and with its 78 kWh battery and all-wheel-drive, is expected to be priced similarly to Tesla’s Model 3. The Polestar 2 is a tech-focused sedan and is the first vehicle to be launched with the Android Automotive — as distinct from Android Auto — operating system for seamless in-car Google integration.
The Polestar 2 sits on Geely-Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture platform, which underpins the Volvo XC40 and C40, as well as a number of Geely and Lynk & Co vehicles. The XC40 is also scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year.
Polestar is independent of Volvo and will therefore create its own facilities, management team, and retail operations in Australia. Vehicles will be available to order online, but Polestar will also build its ‘Polestar Spaces’ in high-traffcked capital city areas. The Spaces aim to take the stress out of the vehicle purchasing experience; and allow customers to get up close with the product in a high-end gallery-like environment.
Polestar Automotive Australia has commenced Australian operations and is on the hunt for more staff
Polestar Automotive Australia has already commenced its search for local team members to fill the positions of planning, order and delivery manager, customer care operations specialist, and community and customer relationship management (CRM) manager. The company hasn’t outlined just where it plans to locate its Spaces and servicing facilities, but we can expect that information closer to local launch.
Source: The Driven
