Overview
Polestar is a high performance Swedish automotive brand established by Volvo in 1996. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927. Since then the company has had multiple owners, to include the US based, Ford Motor Company.
Its current owner is a Chinese automotive behemoth, Geely Automobile, which acquired Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely also owns the automotive brands Lotus Cars and Polestar.
Volvo Cars was one of the first mainstream OEM’s to commit to a push towards zero-emission road transportation. In 2017, the company announced its intention to ‘electrify every car in our range’. Volvo is not new to ‘electric propulsion’ and has already deployed a test fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2010 and had launched the first plug-in hybrid diesel cars in 2012.
The automotive manufacturer has an ambition to achieve 50% sales from pure electric cars and the remaining 50% from plug-in hybrid electric cars by 2025. The company is also committed to becoming ‘climate neutral’ across the value chain by 2040. The company’s portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) include:
- The all-electric Polestar 2
- The all-electric Polestar 3
- The all-electric Polestar 4
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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Polestar 2 Hatchback
Volvo Cars, the Swedish luxury vehicles manufacturer, announced in 2017 that Polestar would commence manufacturing high-end performance electric vehicles (EVs) to compete head-on against Tesla.
The manufacturer introduced the first Polestar car in October 2017, the limited edition hybrid Polestar 1, inspired by Volvo’s Concept Coupe introduced in 2013. Fast forward to 2019, and Polestar had unveiled its first mass-market 5 door all-electric car, the Polestar 2.
The Polestar 2 interior has the hallmarks of classic Volvo styling with ‘minimalism’ and ‘clean Scandinavian design’ at its core. However, the CEO of Polestar has been quick to point out that the Polestar 2 design has not been limited by traditional Volvo designs based on practicality, comfort and safety.
The Polestar 2 has been designed in a more progressive and performance oriented manner. The interiors themes have been curated around three cities as inspiration: Shanghai, Berlin and London.
The all-electric hatchback is perfect for families already familiar with the advantages of owning and driving a Volvo car i.e. a fantastic reputation for safety and quality. Of course, the electric Polestar further enhances this enviable reputation, given the environment-friendly nature of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) i.e. no tailpipe pollution!
The Polestar 2 is available in two EV battery options: 69 kWh (standard range) and 78 kWh (long range). The standard range has a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 296.4 miles (WLTP) and the long range has an e-range up to 341.8 miles.
Pure electric cars have come a long way over the past decade, with a 300 mile EV range now fast becoming the norm. In fact, ‘range anxiety’ is fast disappearing from the narrative on electric driving, as consumers become more confident of the available range and the public EV charging infrastructure in the UK.
Even adjusting for real-world driving i.e. weather, road conditions, driving profile, load etc, the Polestar offers excellent pure electric range for short and long distance driving. For the 69 kWh EV battery, expect a real-world range closer to 250 miles and for the 78 kWh, a 290 miles EV range.
For longer motorway driving trips, the Polestar electric car offers DC charging capability up to 155 kW. The smaller 69 kWh EV variant can be charged up to 130 kW DC (10%-80%: 35 minutes). While the larger 78 kWh EV battery variant can be charged up to 155 kW DC (10%-80%: 35 minutes). Just enough time to get a coffee and have a brief rest before getting along with journey.
The Polestar EV offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, given that the majority of homes have single-phase power supply in the UK, taking advantage of the 11 kW onboard charger will be only for those with access to three-phase EV charging at home, work or at a public destination.
At 11 kW, the 69 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 7 hours, while the 78 kWh EV battery will take up to 8 hours to fully charge. Single-phase EV charging will take longer (up to 12 hours for the larger EV battery). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
The Polestar family electric car is available as front-wheel drive (FWD) and an all-wheel drive (AWD). However the AWD is only available with the larger 78 kWh EV battery. In terms of performance, the EV does not disappoint. The Standard Range Single Motor variant can achieve 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds (max power: 228 bhp).
The top speed is 100 mph. The top of the range, Long Range Dual Motor can achieve 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (max power: 402 bhp). The top speed is 127 mph.
In terms of technology and features, the EV has much to offer either as standard or an option upgrade pack. These include: energy saving heat pump, wireless mobile phone charging, Google built-in, Digital key with pre-climate, 2-zone climate system, over-the-air updates, rear camera, front and rear park assist, keyless entry and more. In terms of practicality, the EV offers a 405 L boot space.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Available in two EV battery sizes | Energy saving heat pump not a standard option |
| Good pure electric range and 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | DC charging limited to 155 kW |
| Available as FWD and AWD | Colour options relatively dull colours |
Gallery
The All-Electric Polestar 2 Hatchback (credit: Polestar)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Hatchback |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor (from £43,150) |
| Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor (from £46,450) |
| Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor (from £49,550) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 69 kWh/ 78 kWh |
| Charging: | 150 kW Rapid Charging. On board charger: 11kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
| Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
| Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
| Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
| Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
| Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
| Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
| Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1479 |
| Width (mm): | 1985 |
| Length (mm): | 4606 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2735 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.9 |
| Boot Space (L): | 405 |
| Standard Range Single Motor | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 69 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 296.4 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 171 |
| Charging: | 130 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 35 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 100 mph |
| 0-60 mph: | 7.0 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 170 |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 228 |
| Torque (lb-ft): | 243 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,198 |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| Long Range Single Motor | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 78 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 341.8 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 171 |
| Charging: | 155 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 35 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 100 mph |
| 0-60 mph: | 7.0 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 170 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 228 |
| Torque (lb-ft): | 243 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,198 |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| Long Range Dual Motor | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 78 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 301.4 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 194 |
| Charging: | 155 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 35 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 127 mph |
| 0-60 mph: | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 402 |
| Torque (lb-ft): | 487 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,198 |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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