EV Brief 5/28/21 EV Brief 5/28/21

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.

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

EV Brief 3/4/21 EV Brief 3/4/21

Volvo reveals 2022 C40 Recharge all-electric coupe SUV

In the quest for greater sales, manufacturers are practically inventing market segments. Enter Volvo’s C40 Recharge, which is a compact five-seat electric SUV with a coupe roofline. To be sold online only, the C40 Recharge shares much under the skin with its XC40 P8 Recharge and Polestar 2 siblings. With two electric motors good for 300 kW and 660 Nm, Volvo claims a 0-100 km/h time of just under five seconds.

C40 Recharge coupe-SUV is first Volvo designed as electric only

Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) shared with XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2
Maximum claimed WLTP range of 420 kilometres (260 miles)

150 kW charging; claimed zero to 80 per cent recharge in 40 minutes
78 kWh battery with 300 kW (407 PS) of power, 660 Nm (486 ft-lb) of torque, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) <5 seconds
100% animal skin free interior, Android based operating system
Available for preorder in Europe now, confirmed for late-2022 arrival in Australia

C40 Recharge debuts with coupe style

In the quest for greater sales, manufacturers are practically inventing market segments. Enter Volvo’s C40 Recharge, which is a compact five-seat electric SUV with a coupe roofline.

To be sold online only, the C40 Recharge shares much under the skin with its XC40 P8 Recharge and Polestar 2 siblings. With two electric motors good for 300 kW and 660 Nm, Volvo claims a 0-100 km/h time of just under five seconds.

The 78kWh lithium-ion battery pack features active cooling and is located completely below the floor of the vehicle. Driving range on a full charge is estimated at 420 kilometres on the WLTP testing cycle.

From the front doors forward, there are not many cues to tell the C40 apart from the XC40, save for a slightly more angular headlight design and more aggressive front air ‘vents’. The rear is visually quite striking, with the large glass pane flanked by LED tail lights, and sporty upper and lower rear spoilers.

The roofline is about 70mm lower in the rear than that of the CX40 Recharge, resulting is reduced headroom.

There are seven colours available at launch: Black Stone, Crystal White metallic, Fjord Blue metallic, Fusion Red metallic, Sage Green metallic, Silver Dawn metallic and Thunder Grey metallic:

Interior design is classic Volvo

It appears to be business as usual on the inside of the C40 Recharge, but Volvo pushes its sustainable credentials by removing all animal-skin from the interior. While not classified as totally vegan as some interior components use animal fat in glues and plastics, its a step in the right direction.

Volvo’s Android powered navigation brings Google Maps to the driver’s display

There’s a large panoramic sunroof, backlit metallic trim panels, and the soft touch points and excellent ergonomics the Swedish brand is known for. The C40 Recharge’s infotainment and operating system gets an upgrade too, with the Google-based Android system from Polestar’s 2, complete with a fully digital driver’s instrument panel with Google Maps front and centre.

Customers can download apps for the car from Google’s Play Store, and Google’s excellent assistant is available at the touch of a button.

Specifications and details are scant at the moment, with Volvo devoting just a few minutes to the C40 Recharge at yesterday’s press reveal. It will be produced in the company’s Ghent, Belgium factory, and is available to pre-order online. Volvo Australia has confirmed the C40 Recharge will arrive down under in late-2022.