Polestar, a high-performance car brand under Volvo Cars, announced on March 24 that it had started production of the brand’s first EV sedan, “Polestar 2”. The company plans to begin delivery in Europe this summer.
The first car from Polestar was a high-performance PHV coupe called Polestar 1. Now the brand is launching its all electric model Polestar 2 which is an all electric mid-size sedan aiming to compete with Tesla Model 3.
2 is being developed under the category of “Premium 5-door Fastback EV”. The chassis will be based on the Volvo Car Group’s “CMA” (Compact Modular Architecture) platform.
The EV powertrain is equipped with motors at the front and rear, powering all four wheels. The two motors together draw a maximum output of 300 kW (408 hp) and a maximum torque of 487 lb-ft. The Polestar 2, equipped with a powerful motor, demonstrates 0 to 62 mph acceleration of less than 4.7 seconds. The battery pack, consisting of 27 modules, is laid out under the floor and has a storage capacity of 78 kWh. The range on one charge is up to 275 miles (EPA) and 470km (WLTP).
There is an option for Performance Pack which includes a 4-piston Brembo front brake, an adjustable Ohlins damper, and 20-inch forged wheels. In addition, brake calipers, seat belts and valve caps with gold finish are equipped.
2 is the first car in the world to incorporate Google’s Android into its infotainment system, claims Polestar. As a result, Google services such as “Google Assistant”, “Google Maps” and “Google Play Store” can be used in the car. Voice recognition technology and a newly developed 11-inch touch screen display enable a new interface.
Polestar 2 introduces “Phone-as-Key” technology, which replaces a smartphone with a key. This is a useful technology for car sharing that is used by multiple users. Owners will be able to share virtual keys with third parties and access many other on-demand features. When a driver carrying a smartphone approaches the vehicle, the vehicle is automatically unlocked.
Polestar 2 will use a connected digital solution that can be used in in-vehicle systems and smartphones. Users can easily access the world’s largest utility billing network when charging at charging stations.
Polestar 2 has a towing capacity of 3,300 lbs. According to Polestar, this capacity is the best in the compact EV segment. An electric retractable towing bar is available as an option to support trailer and other towing.
Polestar 2 has a total storage capacity of 440 liters. It has a capacity of 405 liters at the rear and 35 liters at the front. The fastback design with the tailgate opening greatly improves ease of loading and unloading.
Polestar 2 will also come with a two to three year subscription (pay-as-you-go). Subscriptions with no deposits and all costs include a pickup, delivery service, lending for Volvo and Polestar vehicles, all in one month payment. The flat-rate subscription means that owning a Polestar car means a hassle-free customer experience. Orders for vehicles can be made only on the Internet.
Polestar 2 began production at the Volvo Cars plant in Zhejiang Province, China. It will be launched first in Europe this summer, and then to 10 global markets, including China and North America.
