Polestar 2 shines bright

Polestar, the dedicated electric vehicle (EV) brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, has confirmed pricing and a launch date for its first Australian model, the all-new Polestar 2.

Australia’s newest automotive brand said pricing for the Polestar 2 all-electric fastback would start from $59,900, with two single-motor variants falling under the threshold for the $3000 Electric Vehicle Rebate being offered in New South Wales and Victoria, as well as significant stamp duty savings.

Queensland currently has no such EV incentives, but in June the State Government announced the development of a new Queensland Zero-Emissions (ZEV) Strategy, designed to supersede its current The Future is Electric strategy.

Meanwhile, Polestar said pricing for its first all-electric model was “geared to broaden the appeal of electric mobility in Australia”, when the new model went on sale in January 2022

Available in a simple three-variant line-up, each with three option packs, the range includes the Standard Range Single Motor ($59,990 MRLP), Long Range Single Motor ($64,900 MRLP) and Long-Range Dual Motor ($69,900 MRLP).

As the name suggests, the Standard Range features a single electric motor and 64kWh battery, providing outputs of 165kW/330Nm and a range up to 440km.

The Long-Range single motor features the same electric motor but a larger 78kWh battery, delivering slightly increased outputs of 170kW/330Nm, but an expanded 540km range

Finally, the Long-Range Dual Motor gets the same 78kWh battery, but a reduced range of 480km, thanks to its twin motors producing a thumping 300kW/660Nm and consuming a higher 19.4 kWh/100 km versus 17.1 kWh/100km for the single-motor version.

In addition to standard features like vegan upholstery, Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system with Google built-in and avant-garde interior and exterior design, the Polestar 2 models come with the option of three optional equipment packages – dubbed Pilot Pack, Plus Pack and Performance Pack.

Adding $5k to the asking price of the individual variants, the Pilot Pack provides enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and pilot assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera, blind-spot information system with steering support, cross-traffic alert with brake support, rear collision warning and pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights.

For an additional $6k the Plus Pack includes a full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13-speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, black ash deco panels, electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated wiper nozzles.

The Plus Pack also includes a heat pump, which Polestar says reduces the need to use valuable battery capacity to sustain the cabin climate.

The system uses ambient heat and residual thermal energy from the drivetrain, to reduce energy requirements for climate control by as much as 50%.

In colder weather, this can result in a 10% improvement in range, the company said.

Finally, there’s the $8k Performance Pack which is available only on the Long-Range Dual motor variant and includes adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature “Swedish gold” details inside and out.

Customers hoping to find a bright, shiny, and new Polestar dealership to pop into may be disappointed, however, with the Swedish electric performance car brand pursuing a direct-to-consumer online sales model.

The company said the digital sales approach will be supported by a physical retail presence in various cities of Polestar “Spaces” and “Destinations”.

The absence of traditional dealerships is less of a problem than it might be with an internal combustion vehicle, given that EVs like the Polestar 2 require less servicing due to the absence of fuel, oil, and other fluids.

The vehicle is also able to adopt new features and system upgrades via over-the-air updates, without the need to visit a service point.

The Polestar 2’s ownership package includes a five-year manufacturer warranty, five-year roadside assistance and a five-year service plan.

Head of Polestar Australia Samantha Johnson described the new model as “a compelling ownership proposition”. and an “all-electric solution at an attainable level”.

“We know that consumers in our market are very receptive to new technology and have a desire for a high-quality product with superb attention to detail and an engaging drive,” Ms Johnson said.

“We are confident that the Polestar brand experience will hit the right note with Australian EV enthusiasts and we anticipate that the Polestar 2, with its compelling ownership proposition, will attract many more Australians to all-electric mobility.”

Established in 2017, Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and shares technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars.

The company’s vehicles are available in 14 global markets across Europe, North America, and China.

Australia is one of five new markets added in the Asia Pacific region during 2021.

The Polestar 2 is the company’s first fully electric, high-volume car.

The Polestar 3 electric SUV is set to join the portfolio, along with a production version of the Precept concept car shown in 2020.

Charge ahead with EV Roadside Assistance.