Polestar releases P2.0 Software Update bringing Android R, other optimisations to the vehicles

Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com

Polestar announced on Thursday the release of 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.

The latest software update brings enhanced app and functionality potential for the future, and will roll out to owners incrementally from early April 2022. Software enhancements are downloaded and installed remotely, allowing Polestar to leverage on digital connectivity to accelerate the integration of new functionality, performance and personalisation for Polestar 2 owners.

Recent examples of enhancements delivered via OTA updates include drivetrain optimisations, the ability to schedule preferred charging times, Polestar Digital Key improvements, an eco climate mode to improve real world range, and battery optimisation with preconditioning, amongst others.

Polestar 2 customers are embracing the benefits and convenience of OTA updates, with more than 90% of all Polestar 2 owners installing updates.

“Software technology in our cars should not be much different from how the latest software is pushed out on smartphones in everyday life,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. “With OTA updates, our customers receive constant enhancements without making a trip to a workshop. We’re very encouraged by the positive response as seen from the exceptional growth in the number of OTA installations and will continue to deliver ongoing enhancements.”

In another OTA-first for Polestar, the performance software upgrade for eligible Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor cars was made available for purchase in selected markets from November 2021. The performance software upgrade provides a sharper driving experience and increased power and torque. Output from the dual-motor powertrain increases to 350 kW and 680 Nm, the 0-100 km/h sprint time is reduced to 4.4 seconds, and overall responsiveness is sharpened.

Looking ahead for 2022, Polestar aims to build on the positive customer response by ramping up the introduction of more apps, starting with the Journey Log app launched in February 2022. The app allows Polestar 2 drivers to export the journey logs – useful for those who need to claim travel expenses at work. The Journey Log app is currently available in the UK, US, Canada, Sweden and Australia and will continue to be rolled out incrementally in all markets where the Google Play Store is available.

Hertz Global Holdings announced on Monday 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.

The company announced that has arrived 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.

Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com