Introduction of a single-motor Polestar 2 enhances EPA range to ~260 miles while making the universally praised vehicle more accessible to those who want to drive electric
MAHWAH, N.J. – Polestar cars announced two additional versions of the Polestar 2 EV. Now available with two powertrains and curated equipment packs, the electric performance fastback can be flexibly configured to suit a customer’s needs. The critically acclaimed Polestar 2 is now accessible to a wider audience while simultaneously adding range and reducing base pricing – all without sacrificing key features such as Google Assistant and Google Maps built-into the vehicle.
“2021 is the year in which Polestar 2 will really gain momentum,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “We launched with a strong offer which has set a great tone for the car. Now, we expand that offering with additional versions – each one maintaining its unique design, premium quality and fun driving experience. What we have successfully managed with the new versions of the Polestar 2 is to avoid stripping the lower-priced models of their character and premium feeling. Even the most affordable Polestar 2, with no option packs, has great visual consistency and high level of standard equipment.”
The Polestar 2 continues its progressive sustainability and design narrative across all variants. Exterior and interior design is largely indistinguishable between the three models, making each version of Polestar 2 just as attractive and enjoyable as the next. These minimum specs include 19-inch wheels, signature LED light designs front and rear, and drag-reducing frameless mirrors. Much like the WeaveTech vegan upholstery introduced in 2020, the new embossed textile upholstery is a vegan material and is available in two color executions, both matched to 3D-etched décor panels. Other notable standard features include an 8-speaker high performance stereo, front- and rear parking sensors, and a rear backup camera.
Connectivity and digital integration also continue as premium conveniences of the Polestar 2. Google’s new Android Automotive OS powers the infotainment system via an 11-inch center display and 12.3-inch dashboard display, featured as standard on all variants. Integrated as standard into the new Polestar app is the Polestar Digital Key, which complements other vehicle controls at the touch of the driver’s smartphone. Over-the-Air updatability allows Polestar to release free software upgrades to owners remotely on a regular basis. The new Polestar app and Polestar Digital Key begin rolling out to all Polestar 2 owners OTA from May 2021.
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Polestar 2 was awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in March 2021, thanks to innovative structural safety developments, nine airbags, and safety assistance features which include vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist and lanekeeping support. This safety accolade was recently joined by one for good looks- receiving a design award from Red Dot, where Polestar 2 has been named “Best of the Best” in the product category for 2021
The new single motor Polestar 2 is a formidable entrant to the premium EV segment. The single motor Polestar 2 retains the 78 kWh battery of the dual-motor variants, enabling the vehicle to deliver an EPA range of approximately 260 miles. The car will go even further on a charge when fitted with the new Plus Pack, thanks to the addition of a heat pump. The single motor Polestar 2 also features 231 hp, up from the 204 hp on each axle of the dual-motor variant.
The dual motor Polestar 2 is now available in a simplified configuration, offering more flexibility to create a bespoke vehicle that suits the customer’s needs. The dual motor Polestar 2 features an estimated EPA range of 240 miles, and can go even further on a charge when fitted with the new Plus Pack, thanks to the addition of the aforementioned heat pump.
Remaining in the lineup is the Polestar 2 Launch Edition. Available now for immediate delivery across the US and Canada, the Launch Edition offers a fully-loaded vehicle at a slight price advantage vs. adding individual packages to a dual-motor Polestar 2.
Option Packages:
In order to build a Polestar 2 best suited to the owner’s lifestyle, optional equipment packs have been designed to add value in a simple and cost effective manner.
The Plus Pack includes premium interior, exterior and convenience equipment. The exterior highlight of this package is a full-length panoramic glass roof. Across the interior numerous homages to sustainable luxury are present, including a premium Harman Karmon audio system with 13 speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, Black Ash wood deco panels, fully-electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wiper blades. The most notable feature of the Plus Pack is an invisible one: a mechanical heat pump.
The new heat pump reduces the need to rely on valuable battery charge in order to heat the interior of the Polestar 2, enabling further overall driving range. It captures ambient heat and residual thermal energy from the drivetrain in order to reduce the climate draw on the battery by as much as 50%. In colder climates this has a great impact on range, and at an exterior temperature of 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit the vehicle can gain as much as 10% more range. Polestar’s ongoing development of the system also means that future range improvements can be deployed via complimentary OTA updates.
The Pilot Pack includes enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as the Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights, Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround view camera, all-round parking sensors, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support and Rear Collision Warning.
The Performance Pack remains available for the dual-motor Polestar 2. This package includes four adjustable Öhlins suspension dampers, enhanced Brembo brakes with low-drag calipers, forged 20-inch alloy wheels mated to sport tires, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ aesthetic details both inside and out.
A handful of specific single options also remain available. These include Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation (requires Plus Pack), a selection of metallic paint colors, 20-inch alloy wheels and a semi-electric folding trailer hitch.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the new Polestar 2 variants is very competitive, and will be confirmed for the US and Canada in the coming weeks. Precise range ratings will be announced once certified.
The single motor Polestar 2 will arrive in North America at the end of 2021. The Launch Edition Polestar 2 is on sale now for immediate delivery.
For those looking to take immediate delivery of a Polestar 2, the brand is currently offering $2,000 of trade-in assistance to those who are trading in an internal combustion vehicle towards a Polestar 2. As part of Polestar’s Earth Day sustainability initiatives, this offer is available to U.S. and Canadian consumers taking delivery before the end of April 2021.
For those who prefer a physical shopping experience, Polestar retail ”Spaces” are designed to give customers the opportunity to experience the company first-hand without the pressures that come from a traditional automotive dealership. Staffed by non-commissioned Polestar Specialists, each Space minimizes any distractions within the showroom so guests can enjoy their experience at their own pace.
