Polestar 2 delivers more power, performance and range

Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) is giving the Polestar 2 5-door electric fastback a major upgrade. For the 2024 model year, the premium compact EV features a new high-tech front end that reflects the design language pioneered by the Polestar 3, all-new electric motors, and substantial performance increases with an even more powerful battery ^[1] stability improvements and, for the first time on a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.

“Typically, in the automotive industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intent of the car’s design theme. With the new model year Polestar 2, we go beyond the surface to see the substantial benefits of the electric drivetrain. Love improving the technical and mechanical components. This is the best Polestar 2 to date, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, it’s also the most attractive,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenluth.

The Polestar 2 first entered the highly competitive premium electric vehicle market in 2019, combining a dedication to outstanding utility and sustainability with Scandinavian design and fun-to-drive characteristics. It was the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google, an experience that continues to evolve and lead the industry. This unique combination of features has made the Polestar 2 an instant customer favorite, which is available in 27 markets globally and has surpassed 100,000 unit production by the end of 2022.

Hi-Tech Design Tweaks
The SmartZone made its debut in Polestar 2, marking a change from breath-taking to looking and reflecting the high-tech nature of Polestar vehicles. Similar to the Polestar 3, SmartZone has some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including a front-facing camera and mid-range radar.

The Performance Pack’s 20-inch forged alloy wheels have been updated to align the Polestar 2 with the Polestar 3’s sportiest level.

New engines, refined ride and traction behind the
State-of-the-art electric motors and inverters are fitted across all Polestar 2 variants, providing a substantial increase in both efficiency and performance. Single motor variants are now rear wheel drive, powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new engine has a power output of up to 220 kW (versus 170 kW) and is optimized for maximum efficiency and higher torque (490 Nm, versus 330 Nm) to further enhance the dynamic performance of the car. The sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h has been reduced by 1.2 seconds to 6.2 seconds.

The twin-engine version now has a rear-wheel drive bias that enhances driving pleasure and performance thanks to a completely rebalanced transmission setup and torque ratio. The new rear engine is the main source of transmission, supported by a new asynchronous motor on the front axle. This allows for higher total system power of 310 kW and 740 Nm (increased from the original 300 kW and 660 Nm), greatly improved traction, higher overall efficiency and increased performance: 0-100 km/h achieved in 4.5 seconds is done. The front motor can now be switched off completely when not needed, supporting efficiency gains. When the driver wants more power, the front motor re-engages quickly and seamlessly.

Up to 350 kW are available with the optional Performance Pack and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.2 seconds. Enhanced power, performance and driving enjoyment is also available for purchase as a downloadable over-the-air performance software upgrade for any eligible long-distance double car.

“Switching from front to rear-wheel drive on the single-engine variant, and re-calibrating the torque ratio on the twin-engine variant for more rear-wheel drive feel, the Polestar 2 takes the driving experience to a whole new level . says Joaquim Ridholm, director of chassis development at Polestar. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more fun and agile car, retaining its compact size and full sense of control, while simultaneously becoming more mature with increased comfort.”

Better range and faster charging
All versions of the Polestar 2 in most markets ^[1] , have improved lithium-ion batteries with positive effects on efficiency and capacity as well as charging times. Long range versions now have CATL’s 82 kWh battery with 27 modules ^[1] , The battery for the standard range versions retains a capacity of 69 kWh with 24 modules, and is now supplied by LG Chem ^[2] ,

Enhanced batteries benefit from a redesigned battery disconnect unit, improved busbars and improved cell chemistry, allowing faster charge rates of up to 205 kW DC for long-range batteries and 135 kW for standard-range batteries can be enabled. ^[2] ,

Range is improving for all variants due to optimization of power delivery from a bigger and better battery and more powerful motors. The front engine disconnect feature on the long-range dual-engine variant is particularly effective in maximum range, which is now up to 592km WLTP ^[3] A significant increase of 105 km.

The standard range single engine version is now capable of up to 518km WLTP ^[3] An increase of 40 km, and the long-range single-engine version can now reach 635 km WLTP ^[2] Hike of 84 km.

More performance with less impact
Versions with the new 82 kWh battery cut carbon emissions by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes per car), despite the bigger battery, more powerful motors, longer range and more exciting performance. Thanks for the better cell chemistry. A full life cycle assessment (LCA) is planned for later in 2023.

Revised Standard Equipment Increases Value
Standard equipment in the Polestar 2 has been revised to increase overall value and comfort. Driver awareness features are now standard, including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering assist, cross traffic alert with brake assist and rear collision alert and mitigation with 360 surround-view camera degrees and auto-dimming door mirrors. , Wireless phone charger is now standard on all trims as well.

The 2024 model year Polestar 2 is now available to order in European markets at Polestar.com ^[4] , and more markets will follow. First delivery is expected in the third quarter of 2023. Price starts from 50,190 Euro ^{[ 5 ]} ,