Increased battery capacity and faster charging for Standard range Single motor version
Sweden – Polestar 2 is being updated with new solutions connected to climate impact and transparency, along with design detail and specification updates that allow for new visual expressions and improved efficiency.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, comments: “We have revisited materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car. These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”
Polestar’s partnership with Circulor now includes blockchain traceability of mica, in addition to cobalt that is already traced in Polestar 2 batteries. Blockchain technology allows Polestar to trace risk minerals from material source to finished product.
The battery in the Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor sees improved cell chemistry that provides a higher capacity (now 69 kWh). This leads to increased range (now up to 474 km WLTP), faster charging (now up to 130 kW DC), and higher motor output (170 kW). The aluminum tray that carries the battery casing for all versions will see a CO2e reduction of 750 kg per car, thanks to the decision to only purchase aluminum for this component from smelters that use renewable energy.
Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, says: “In our program updates we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts. Product optimization programs are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar, combining these with CO2e reduction programs as well.
“A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminum in the wheels with low-carbon aluminum that is produced using renewable energy. We expect this to result in a 600 kg CO2e reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminum in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 1,350 kg per car.”
Design detail updates bring new expressions to all Polestar 2 variants. Polestar’s strategy on interior materials is to increase the use of renewable, recyclable, and recycled materials, and to always include a vegan upholstery option. In Polestar 2, an improved optional Nappa leather upholstery with greater sustainability credentials is now available.
