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.
Renault ElectriCity set to become largest electric vehicle production centre in Europe
Renault has announced the creation of a new electric vehicle production centre, grouping together three of its sites across the communes of Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz in the Hauts-de-France region of Northern France.
Renault has announced the creation of a new electric vehicle production centre, grouping together three of its sites across the communes of Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz in the Hauts-de-France region of Northern France.
The Renault ElectriCity plans to produce up to 400,000 vehicles per year, making it the largest EV production centre in Europe. Renault claims over 700 additional jobs will be created by 2025, including within a training centre and on-site university.
Renault Group and the representative trade unions have signed an agreement to bring nearly 5,000 employees within the single ElectriCity entity. Renault Group will also participate in innovation initiatives in partnership with start-ups to support future developments in the automotive world by participating in ‘Incubator’ type initiatives.
The Hauts-de-France region was chosen due to its technical and R&D know-how and experience in the electric car value chain. Renault Group will form partnerships with universities to set up training schemes to equip students with the skills necessary to work with next-generation EVs.
"I am very proud to have contributed to the creation of Renault ElectriCity, a symbol of Renault's know-how and technological innovation, and to participate to the enhancement of the economic and social attractiveness of Hauts-de-France in Europe. This agreement, signed with all the trade unions, is proof that the commitment of employees, constructive social dialogue and a strong local presence are key to setting up a robust and attractive industrial model," said Luciano Biondo, Director of Renault ElectriCity.
Key elements
Douai
The plant will produce its first electric vehicle, Mégane E-Vision, from 2021 on the Alliance's new modular CMF-EV platform
On the same platform, Douai will be assigned a new C-segment vehicle
A new electric platform dedicated to the industrialisation of B-segment vehicles will be installed
Maubeuge
A pioneer and leader in the electric van segment in Europe for 10 years with Kangoo Electric, the site manufactures New Kangoo, New Kangoo Van for Renault and its partners Mercedes and Nissan and will produce New Kangoo
E-Tech Electric in 2022
In addition, the plant will be assigned other variants of New Kangoo
Ruitz
The plant will host a new electrical components manufacturing activity
