The Polestar 2 is a 5-door electric hatchback undergoing a significant redesign by Polestar. The Polestar 2 compact luxury electric car gets a new high-tech front end for the 2024 model year, taking cues from the Polestar 3. New electric motors, even more, powerful batteries, enhancements in sustainability, and - for the first time on a Polestar - rear-wheel drive contribute significantly to the Polestar 2's enhanced performance.
When a car gets a facelift, cosmetic alterations often have nothing to do with the vehicle's performance or safety. We have taken the new 2024 model year of the Polestar 2 beyond cosmetic changes and upgraded the electric powertrain's critical technical and mechanical components. According to Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, the redesigned SmartZone and refined front-end design resulted in the best-looking Polestar 2.
Scandinavian style, superb usability, thrilling driving qualities, and a commitment to sustainability characterize the Polestar 2, which joined the highly competitive luxury electric car market for the first time in 2019. Android Automotive OS was the first automotive operating system to feature built-in Google services, and this vehicle was the first to feature such a system. They were offering cutting-edge innovations and setting the standard for customer service. The Polestar 2's popularity skyrocketed because it boasted such a rare set of features and benefits. Over 100,000 of these automobiles will have been manufactured by the end of 2022 and made available in 27 different regions around the globe.
With the release of Polestar 2, SmartZone is introduced. It's a symbol of the evolution of human vision and a nod to the cutting-edge nature of Polestar's automobiles. Some of the most essential active safety elements, such as the front camera, and mid-range radar, are located in the SmartZone, much like in the Polestar 3.
The Polestar 2 now has 20-inch forged alloy wheels like those found on the Polestar 3's Performance Pack.
All models of the Polestar 2 come standard with cutting-edge electric motors and inverters that boost efficiency and performance to new heights. Single-motor iterations have switched to rear-wheel drive, using a permanent magnet motor and an inverter made of silicon carbide. To further improve the vehicle's dynamic performance, the new engine has a maximum power output of 220 kW (up from 170 kW) and is tuned for maximum efficiency and high torque (from 330 Nm to 490 Nm). From zero to one hundred kilometers per hour now takes only 6.2 seconds, a decrease of 1.2 seconds.
The Dual Motor model's retuned powerplant and torque ratio enhance performance and the driving experience. The new asynchronous motor on the front axle supplements the power from the new rear engine. As a result, the system's total power, traction, efficiency, and performance may all be increased from 300 kW and 660 Nm to 310 kW and 740 Nm. You can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The efficiency-enhancing front engine can now be turned off completely. When additional thrust is required, the front engine automatically restarts.
With the available performance package, the output can reach 350 kW, and acceleration can reach 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. All eligible Long Rage Dual Motor vehicles can purchase the downloadable Over-The-Air (OTA) software upgrade to gain enhanced power, performance, and driving experience.
In the words of Joakim Rydholm, Polestar's Head of Chassis Development, "switching from front to rear-wheel drive on the single motor variants and recalibrating the torque ratio on the dual motor variant for an improved rear-wheel drive feel takes the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level." The redesigned Polestar 2 is a much more fun-to-drive and nimble vehicle than before; it's still small and easy to maneuver but more refined and comfortable than before.
The lithium-ion batteries included in all Polestar 2 models are upgraded versions, which greatly enhance the vehicle's performance, storage capacity, and recharging speed. CATL has added 82 kWh batteries consisting of 27 modules to the Long Range models. LG Chem now provides the battery for Standard Range models, maintaining the same 69 kWh capacity with 24 modules.
Faster charge rates of up to 205kW DC for the Long Range batteries and 135kW DC for the Standard Range batteries are now possible thanks to the new battery technology, which features a redesigned battery disconnect unit, better power rails, and improved cell chemistry.
All models benefit from a greater range because of the larger and better batteries and the enhanced power output of the more powerful motors. The Long Range Dual Motor's front motor cut-off option is very helpful for getting every last mile of battery life. An enormous increase of 105 kilometers brings the WLTP total to 592 km.
With these updates, the WLTP range for the Standard Range Single Motor model has increased to 518 km (a gain of 40 km), while the Long Range Single Motor model has increased to 635 km (a gain of 84 km).
Carbon emissions have decreased by 1.1 tons, from 7 tons per vehicle to 5.9 tons per vehicle, in the new 82 kWh battery variants. This is all despite the larger batteries, more powerful engines, longer range, and more exhilarating performance. In 2023, we hope to have finished a full Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
The Polestar 2's standard features have been improved to provide more bang for the buck and better comfort. The 360-degree Surround View camera and the automatically dimming exterior mirrors are now standard features, including the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering assistance, Cross Traffic Alert with braking aid, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation. All models now come included with the ability to charge a mobile device wirelessly.
You may place an order for a Polestar 2 from the 2024 model year right now in Europe at polestar.com. As time goes on, we'll expand into more markets. In the third quarter of 2023, we should see the first shipments. The base price of a Polestar 2 starts at $55,300.
