Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com
Polestar announced on Wednesday that its model Polestar 2 is being updated with new solutions connected to climate impact and transparency, along with design detail and specification updates that allow for new visual expressions and improved efficiency.
The battery in the Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor sees improved cell chemistry that provides a higher capacity (now 69 kWh). This leads to increased range (now up to 474 km WLTP), faster charging (now up to 130 kW DC) and higher motor output (170 kW), Polestar said.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, comments: “We have revisited materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car. These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”
Polestar’s partnership with Circulor now includes blockchain traceability of mica, in addition to cobalt that is already traced in Polestar 2 batteries. The blockchain technology allows Polestar to trace risk minerals from material source to finished product.
The aluminium tray that carries the battery casing for all versions will see a CO2e reduction of 750 kg per car, thanks to the decision to only purchase aluminium for this component from smelters that use renewable energy.
Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, says: “In our programme updates we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts. Product optimisation programmes are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar, combining these with CO2e reduction programmes as well.
“A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminium in the wheels with low-carbon aluminium that is produced using renewable energy. We expect this to result in a 600 kg CO2e reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminium in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 1,350 kg per car.”
Design detail updates bring new expressions to all Polestar 2 variants. Polestar’s strategy on interior materials is to increase the use of renewable, recyclable and recycled materials, and to always include a vegan upholstery option. In Polestar 2, an improved optional Nappa leather upholstery with greater sustainability credentials is now available.
“We require that all leather used in Polestar products must live up to the strictest standards on animal welfare and the Five Freedoms*, alongside being fully traceable and chrome-free,” continues Fredrika Klarén. “A new leather supplier, Bridge of Weir, meets our requirements.”
The complete scope of design and feature updates includes:
- New exterior colours: Space (replaces Void) and Jupiter (replaces Moon)
- Magnesium is now the default standard colour with no cost
- New designs for the standard 19-inch and optional 20-inch wheels
- New Zinc colour for ventilated Nappa leather upholstery (replaces Barley), available with new Light Ash deco (replaces Reconstructed Wood)
- Removable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof (also available in Polestar Extras web shop from mid-June 2022 for all Polestar 2 with glass roof)
- The performance software upgrade with maximum output of 350 kW and 680 Nm is now included in the Performance Pack in Europe
- The heat pump (included in Plus Pack) has an improved optimal temperature range, now between -7°C and 25°C
- Advanced cabin filter and upgraded interior particulate matter sensor with new in-car app that quantifies exterior air quality improvement in the cabin (Plus Pack)
The company announced on April 13 the opening of a new Polestar Space in Scottsdale, Arizona. “After several months of operating from a temporary facility, we are thrilled to be in our permanent home in the greater Phoenix area”, said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. Arizona, already the 11th largest market in the US for EVs, is experiencing robust growth, with sales of electric cars up 96% year-over-year in 2021, according to IHS Markit data. Polestar Scottsdale is located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall at 7014 East Camelback Road, and is operated by Courtesy Automotive.
On April 8, the Swedish Polestar posted its first job positions located in Italy. On February 4, via Twitter, the company had confirmed that the country is on the plans for 2023, despite not having yet an exact timeline. Check all the details on the job positions here.
On April 8, the company announced its arrival in Hong Kong with the Polestar 2. Polestar has appointed Wearnes Motors, the leading automotive distributor and retailer in Hong Kong, as its official representative in the market. The first Polestar Space in Hong Kong is expected to open later in 2022.
The announcment comes shortly after the arrival to Ireland with its Polestar 2 model with a starting price of €54,500 as global expansion continues. Polestar also unveiled a four-week roadshow running from May 9th, starting in Dublin and moving on to Irish cities of Kilkenny, Cork and Galway.
Earlier this week, the company released P2.0 Software, the 10th major OTA update totalling close to 100 improvements since launching remote updates for Polestar 2. The company releases an average of one major OTA (Over the air) release every seven weeks. P2.0 software update brings Android R and enhanced future potential to Polestar 2. The company aded that over 90% of Polestar 2 owners regularly install remote software updates.
Hertz Global Holdings announced recently that agreed to purchase up to 65,000 electric vehicles over five years from Polestar, as part of the plan to expand its plug-in offerings. The Hertz deal is similar to an agreement made with Tesla in October 2021 to provide 100,000 vehicles to its fleets in North America and Europe by the end of 2022.
The company sold 544 vehicles in Norway during March reaching the best monthly result since December 2020, when sold a total of 670 units of Polestar 2. The company announced on March 16th that the first batch of Polestar 2 models has already arrived Norway regarding company’s partnership with Avis. The Swedish EV maker and the car rental company have signed an agreement on the delivery of 200 Polestar 2. The EV maker has a global sales target of 65,000 units for this year.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com