Foto: Polestar
Polestar is giving the five-door electric hatchback Polestar 2 a comprehensive update. With the 2024 model year (available to order now), the compact premium electric car features a new high-tech front end that reflects the design language of the Polestar 3. In addition, the Polestar 2 receives significant performance enhancements through new electric motors, even more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and – for the first time on a Polestar – rear-wheel drive.
The Polestar 2 first entered the highly competitive premium electric car market in 2019, combining Scandinavian design, excellent usability with infectious driving characteristics and a focus on sustainability. It was the first car in the world with an infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS with integrated Google features. A customer experience that is constantly evolving and leading the industry. It is now available in 27 markets worldwide and has passed the 100,000 units produced mark by the end of 2022.
High-tech design changes
The SmartZone makes its debut in the Polestar 2 and reflects the high-tech nature of Polestar vehicles. As with the Polestar 3, the SmartZone houses some of the vehicle’s key active safety features, including the front camera and mid-range radar. The Performance Package’s forged 20-inch alloy wheels have been updated to bring the Polestar 2 in line with the Polestar 3 at its sportiest.
New engines, refined handling and rear-wheel drive
All Polestar 2 variants are equipped with the latest generation of electric motors and inverters, which significantly increase both efficiency and performance. The Single Motor variants are now rear-wheel drive and are powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new motor has an output of up to 220 kW (increased from 170 kW) and is optimised for maximum efficiency and high torque (from 330 Nm to 490 Nm) to further enhance the vehicle’s dynamic performance. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time is thus reduced by 1.2 seconds to 6.2 seconds.
The Dual Motor variant increases power and driving pleasure thanks to a completely rebalanced driveline and torque ratio. The new rear engine is the primary drive source and is supported by a new asynchronous motor on the front axle. This enables a higher total system output of 310 kW and 740 Nm (compared to the original 300 kW and 660 Nm), significantly improved traction, higher overall efficiency and performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.5 seconds. To support the increase in efficiency, the front engine can now be switched off completely when it is not needed. When more power is needed, the front engine switches back on immediately and seamlessly.
With the optional Performance Package, up to 350 kW and an acceleration time from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds are possible. The increase in power, performance and driving pleasure can also be purchased as a downloadable Over-The-Air (OTA) software upgrade for all eligible Long Rage Dual Motor models.
Better range and faster charging
All Polestar 2 variants are equipped with improved lithium-ion batteries, which has a positive effect on efficiency, capacity as well as charging time. The Long Range variants now have 82 kWh batteries from CATL with 27 modules. The battery for the Standard Range variants continues to have a capacity of 69 kWh with 24 modules and is now supplied by LG Chem. The updated batteries benefit from a redesigned battery separation unit, improved busbars and enhanced cell chemistry, allowing faster charge rates of up to 205 kW DC for the Long Range batteries and 135 kW for the Standard Range battery.
The larger and improved batteries, along with optimised power output from the more powerful engines, provide increased range in all variants. The front engine cut-off function on the Long Range Dual Motor is particularly effective in maximising range. This is now up to 592 km WLTP , a significant increase of 105 km. The Standard Range Single Motor now reaches up to 518 km WLTP , an increase of 40 km, while the Long Range Single Motor variant reaches up to 635 km WLTP , an increase of 84 km.
More power with less impact
Despite the larger batteries, more powerful engines, longer range and more exciting performance, carbon dioxide emissions have dropped by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per vehicle (previously 7 tonnes per vehicle) for versions with the new 82 kWh battery, thanks to improved cell chemistry. A full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is planned to be carried out during 2023.
Revised standard equipment increases value
The Polestar 2’s standard equipment has been revised to increase both overall value and comfort. Driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steering Assist, Cross Traffic Alert with Brake Assist and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, as well as 360-degree Surround View Camera and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard. Wireless charging for mobile phones is also now standard on all variants.
The 2024 model year Polestar 2 can be ordered in Europe now at polestar.com. Other markets will follow later. The first deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023. The Polestar 2 is available from 50,775 euros. www.polestar.com
