All-electric Polestar 2 To Begin Production In Early 2020
The all-electric Polestar 2 has been revealed and is slated to begin production in early 2020. Its global production base for both left- and right-hand drive models will be China. Polestar is the performance division and brand of Volvo Cars, and is focused on electrified performance vehicles.
Polestar 2 is a premium five-door fastback with two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity (72 kWh in China) that will enable a targeted range of 500 km (WLDP Europe & NEDC China test cycles), based on Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA). With a connected digital solution available both in-car and on mobile devices, Polestar is setting up strategic collaborations to give Polestar 2 owners easy and hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks.
Further, the 27-module battery pack is integrated into the floor and contributes to the rigidity of the chassis, and improves the car’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels; road noise has been reduced by 3.7 dB compared to a traditional chassis. The all-wheel drive electric powertrain in Polestar 2 produces 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft). This translates to a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds.
“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar.
The standard dynamic chassis can be enhanced by the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20″ forged wheels. Polestar’s signature gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps complete the performance visuals.
Highlighting the technology spearhead role that Polestar plays within the Volvo Car Group, Polestar 2 is one of the first cars in the world to embed an infotainment system with 11″ touchscreen and natural voice control, powered by Android. The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to the car, including Google Assistant and Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and Google Play Store.
The adoption of Phone-as-Key technology will enable car sharing and a more integrated ownership experience, as well as Polestar’s connected services such as pick-up and delivery. It will also allow Polestar 2 to sense the driver upon approach. Smart features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. Polestar 2 can also predetermine the driver’s next move to create a seamless experience with a prepared cabin and quick start sequence.
Maximilian Missoni, head of Design at Polestar, comments: “We decided to bring something different to the segment. Our avant-garde design has evolved from Polestar 1 into an edgier, bolder statement. We have also designed a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2.”
Design-led features include Pixel LED headlights (legal restrictions will see standard LED sets for USA and Canada) and proximity lighting which enable a unique welcome sequence, Polestar’s now-signature frameless side mirrors and the unique illuminated Polestar logo, which is reflected onto the car’s panoramic glass roof.
Polestar 2 will be the first electric car to compete with the Tesla Model 3, with the range starting at a guide price of 39,900 euros (in Germany). For the first 12 months of production, guide price of the launch edition will be 59,900 euros; in the US, the launch edition will be priced at $63,000 (before federal incentives).
The Polestar 2, like all other Polestar vehicles, will only be available for ordering online at polestar.com. The guide purchase price for the launch version of Polestar 2 is 59,900 euros with subscription pricing to follow at a later date. The initial launch markets will include China, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK, USA and Canada. Other markets, like Malaysia, will be considered for future expansion.
