Saturday, September 5, 2020

Polestar Cars releases Polestar 2 five-door EV


Polestar Cars, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Geely, has released the Polestar 2 five-door EV (electric vehicle). The Polestar 2 will be the brand's volume production model with the Polestar 3 SUV/crossover following later. (The Polestar 1 Is a limited-edition performance hybrid coupe.)  The Polestar 2 features two electric motors providing all-wheel drive. The drivetrain produces more than 400 hp with the "2" hitting 60 in around 5 seconds. Range is approximately 300 miles (500 km) but the final EPA numbers are not available. Polestar 2 is a premium EV competing against the Tesla Model 3 in size, range, and features. The Model 3 is faster and more distinctively styled, but the Polestar 2 is good-looking with heavy Volvo cues. Options include the Performance Pack (see next post), Nappa leather seating, metallic paint, and more. Prices start around $50k and can hover around $80k when you check all the boxes. Early reviews are very positive. The point is that Polestar has provided a Tesla Model 3 alternative that should make many folks happy. Polestar will begin deliveries in December 2020 if you make your reservation now online. Yea, Tesla is ahead of the auto industry by almost ten years in terms of production, products, and technology but if the others don't move quickly, they may never catch up. Polestar is closer. Of course not everyone wants so much tech in their vehicles, so... I mean not everyone wants to play games on their dashboard.

For more info, check out the five media releases after the "read more" jump.

Source: Polestar - Pics and Media Releases (5)



Media Release:

Polestar reveals new Polestar 2

Polestar has taken the next step in its development as the electric performance brand with the reveal of the new Polestar 2. Polestar 2 is the new all-electric fastback that brings electric performance cars to a broader and increasingly progressive audience. It offers avant-garde design and a unique customer experience in the premium compact electric segment. Polestar 2 is the first electric car to compete in the marketplace around the Tesla Model 3, with the range starting at a guide price of 39,900 euros. For the first 12 months of production, guide price of the launch edition is 59,900 euros.

“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar.

Polestar 2 is a premium five-door fastback with two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity that will enable a targeted range of 500 km, based on Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA). The 27-module battery pack is integrated into the floor and contributes to the rigidity of the chassis as well as improves the car’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels – road noise has been reduced by 3.7 dB compared to a traditional chassis.

Polestar will answer the important question of charging Polestar 2 with a smart, convenient and extensive approach. With a connected digital solution available both in-car and on mobile devices, Polestar is setting up strategic collaborations to give Polestar 2 owners easy and hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks.

For Polestar, performance underlies the entire driving experience. The all-wheel drive electric powertrain in Polestar 2 produces 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft). This translates to a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds.

The standard dynamic chassis can be enhanced by the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels. Polestar’s signature gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps complete the performance visuals.

Highlighting the technology spearhead role that Polestar plays within the Volvo Car Group, Polestar 2 is one of the first cars in the world to embed an infotainment system powered by Android. The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to a car for the first time – including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store. Natural voice control and a new 11-inch touch screen display bring the new interface to life.

Phone-as-Key technology enables car sharing and a more integrated ownership experience, as well as Polestar’s connected services such as pick-up and delivery. It also allows Polestar 2 to sense the driver upon approach. Smart features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. Polestar 2 can also predetermine the driver’s next move to create a seamless experience with a prepared cabin and quick start sequence.

Maximilian Missoni, head of Design at Polestar, comments: “We decided to bring something different to the segment. Our avant-garde design has evolved from Polestar 1 into an edgier, bolder statement. We have also designed a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2.”

Design-led features include Pixel LED headlights and proximity lighting which enable a unique welcome sequence, Polestar’s now-signature frameless side mirrors and the unique illuminated Polestar logo, which is reflected onto the car’s panoramic glass roof.

In common with all Polestar cars, Polestar 2 will only be available for ordering online. The guide purchase price for the launch version of Polestar 2 is 59,900 euros with subscription pricing to follow at a later date. Pre-orders are open at polestar.com. Production of Polestar 2 begins in early 2020 in China for global markets in both left- and right-hand drive.

Polestar 2 will make its first public appearance at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in March, and then embark on a global roadshow in Europe, North America and China throughout 2019. Polestar 2 will also be available in a network of soon-to-be-opened Polestar Spaces that will provide physical viewing and test drive opportunities.

Initial launch markets include China, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Other markets are under consideration for future expansion.


Media Releaase:
Polestar 2 Launches With New Ways to Enjoy Streaming Media on the Go

Polestar 2 is the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS, with Google apps and services built-in. This, combined with three years of internet connectivity included in the purchase price, makes Polestar 2 a platform to both showcase and enjoy new ideas for streaming media apps.

Via the Google Play Store on the center display, Polestar 2 customers are able to download a range of media apps for enjoying podcasts, radio, audiobooks, and music. With Google Assistant integrated into the car, these apps can also be voice controlled with commands like “Hey Google, play some music”, providing an easy-to-use and fun experience for the driver, as well as passengers.

“By partnering with Google, we ensure that the infotainment system stays as cutting edge in the future as it is today,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Developers are able to join the open ecosystem to adapt appropriate apps for use in the car, and create new ones. Customers will benefit from a car that seamlessly integrates into their digital lives.”

To facilitate development, Google is making it easier for developers to comply with driver-distraction guidelines and restrictions, and providing media app templates for Android Automotive OS. Polestar is also releasing a new version of its system emulator for the Android Studio development platform, which now features a full implementation of embedded Google apps and services. This makes it possible for developers to test voice control and other integrations in their apps while work is in progress, allowing them to see and control the apps in the same way as users will inside Polestar 2.

Apps scheduled to be available in Polestar 2 include: podcast apps Castbox and Pocket Casts; library app Libby; radio apps iHeartRadio, Swedish Radio Play and NRK Radio; Bauer Media Audio’s Magic Radio and Radioplayer apps; and music and podcast app, Spotify.

“At Spotify, we want to make listening to your favorite music and podcasts easily accessible – whether that’s at home, on the go, or in the car,” says Sten Garmark, Spotify VP of Product. “We’re looking forward to introducing our innovative integration with the new Polestar 2 infotainment system on Google’s Android Automotive platform. This collaboration creates a seamless, high-quality listening experience for our users on the road.”

Calvin Jiang, Chief Marketing Officer at Castbox, says: “We’re delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Polestar and their new all-electric fastback. Polestar is positioning itself as a leader in providing infotainment services to its customers. Castbox is excited to be a part of this growth in connected cars and continues to provide spoken audio services to its users.”

Russell Ivanovic, Chief Product Officer at Pocket Casts comments: “We’re very excited to be part of the launch offering of apps in the Polestar 2. The opportunity to become truly integrated into the car is a dream scenario for us, making it easier than ever for our customers to keep listening to their favorite podcasts no matter where they are.”

"Radio has always been the consumer's trusted companion on the road, and with the Polestar 2’s constant internet connection and the launch of Google's Android Automotive OS, we are thrilled to give our listeners yet another seamless and voice-enabled way to access live radio stations from across the country, in addition to podcasts and music via a fully embedded iHeartRadio app experience," says Michele Laven, President of Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia.

Richard Dawkins, COO Bauer Media Audio, says: “Audio is intrinsic to the in-car experience and we are excited to be partnering with Google within this future-looking environment.”

Google apps and services in Polestar 2 consists of the Google Play Store for downloading apps, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Assistant for voice control.

Media Release:
Polestar 2 Matches Electric Performance with High Levels of Safety

  • Battery crash safety is critical; ‘SPOC Block’ protects battery structure
  • Acoustic Vehicle Alert System developed to unique Polestar parameters
  • New inner-side airbags for front seats increase occupant safety
  • Full suite of advanced driver assistance and crash avoidance features including Pilot Assist fitted by default in launch edition
Polestar 2 continues its role of spearheading the introduction and development of new technologies for the Volvo Car Group. It is the first fully electric vehicle to be crash tested, the first to feature new Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) technology, and the first to be fitted with new front-inner-side airbags within the Group.

“Safety is of paramount importance for Polestar,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar. “We are directly linked to Volvo Cars and with that comes their famous reputation for outstanding safety technology. So, of course, Polestar cars are designed to be amongst the safest in the world and we are really proud of that.”

Protecting the battery pack in the event of a collision is crucial. Enclosed in an aluminium case for both protection and rigidity, the battery pack is fully housed within the floor structure of the CMA platform. This approach not only reduces the risk of damage and stiffens the body structure, but also protects occupants by keeping the battery intact in the event of a collision. The entire package has also been tuned to cancel certain vibrational frequencies, acting as a damper to reduce so-called Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

In the event of a crash, the battery pack is automatically disconnected from the rest of the vehicle. This ensures there is no live connection, as protecting it during a collision is key. Polestar 2 features the ‘SPOC Block’ (Severe Partial Offset Crash), a deflective solid aluminium block housed on the bottom edge of the front firewall on either side of the car. It is designed to minimize intrusion of the wheel and other objects into the cabin and towards the battery pack during partially offset frontal collisions. Increasing protection in the absence of an internal combustion engine, Polestar 2 also features a new Front Lower Load Path (FLLP) that protects occupants and the battery pack from more direct front impacts, for example with a pole.

To improve safety at slow speeds, Polestar 2 features unique and specially developed external sounds as part of its acoustic warning system. Designed to be recognizable, non-intrusive and natural-sounding, the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) has been engineered according to very specific parameters, with a pending patent.

“We deliberately did not want Polestar 2 to sound like a robot or symphonic spaceship,” comments Ingenlath. “We wanted very natural, subtle sounds that simply let pedestrians know the car is moving. At the same time, we wanted Polestar 2 to sound slightly unique and become identifiable as a Polestar, while remaining relatively simple.”

Sound engineers have paid specific attention to the positioning of the external speakers to ensure the way the sound is radiated from the vehicle both complies with legal requirements and ensures a comfortable experience for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants.

Polestar 2 also features inner-side airbags fitted to the front seats. These new airbags, which are standard in all markets, add an extra layer of protection for the inner limbs of the front occupants who are now individually protected from both sides, as well as from the front.

The safety arsenal of Polestar 2 expands beyond crashworthiness and audio warnings. All available safety systems and assistance features are standard in the launch edition, giving customers absolute peace of mind when driving one of the most advanced cars on the road.

Polestar 2 debuts a new generation of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology, which will make its way into other products from the Volvo Car Group as well. Pilot Assist is an advanced driver assistance system that provides acceleration, braking and steering assistance up to 81 mph (130 km/h). In its latest guise, Pilot Assist features location-based enhancements, which adjust the amount of assistance in acceleration based on the car’s actual position.

Detection systems for other vehicles in front, behind and in the blind spots of the car, as well as pedestrians and cyclists ahead of the car, are all coupled to steering assistance and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) to help ensure interactions between other road users and Polestar 2 are kept as safe as possible at all times.

Media Release:
Polestar Cars Announces U.S. Pricing for the 2021 Polestar 2


Polestar announces the formal pricing of the Swedish brand’s first pure electric car, the 2021 Polestar 2. The electric performance fastback has an MSRP of $59,900 in the United States.

The MSRP of the Polestar 2 is below state incentive thresholds in critical markets such as California and New York. Additionally, this price enables state rebates of approximately $2,000 in certain states*, for total tax incentives of up to $9,500 when combined with the federal electric vehicle tax credit.**

“We are quite enthusiastic to announce the U.S. pricing for the Polestar 2,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar USA. “The MSRP is lower than we originally targeted, and will be extended to all of our current reservation holders. “With an online purchase option, lower pricing, considerable tax incentives, and production already underway, the Polestar 2 is well positioned for a successful entry into the U.S. market.”

Polestar also announces option pricing for the Polestar 2 as follows:
  • Performance Pack: $5,000
  • Nappa Leather Interior: $4,000
  • 20-Inch Alloy Wheels: $1,200
  • Metallic Paint Colors: $1,200
The Polestar 2 arrives with 408 hp, 487 lb.-ft. of torque, all-wheel drive and a 78 kWh battery pack, which enables considerable EV range. It is also the first car in the world to feature a built-in infotainment system powered by Android, featuring voice command via the Google Assistant, Google Maps with EV charging support and app downloads via the Google Play Store.

The Polestar 2, which began production in late March, will begin delivery to U.S. reservation holders in summer 2020. With a digital retail model, the Polestar 2 is available to purchase on Polestar.com. To supplement this, the brand will soon open physical retail showrooms—Polestar Spaces—where non-commissioned Polestar Specialists will be able to assist customers with product information and test drives. The first of these locations will open on the West Coast of the United States and New York in late summer 2020, with additional locations to follow.

The Polestar 2 is available for sale in all 50 states and Polestar will announce lease and retail finance options for the vehicle in the near future.

*All tax information is current as of April 15,2020. Government incentives are for informational purposes only and subject to change without notice, nor are within Polestar’s control. Incentive programs are offered and administered by government agencies. Eligibility and availability vary. Visit your state program’s website for the most up-to-date information on availability and redemption requirements. Your eligibility for income tax credits depends on your personal tax situation. Polestar encourages consulting with your tax advisor for details.

**The IRS offers a Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of qualifying vehicles. This is not tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor for details.



Media Release:
Production of the Polestar 2 EV begins


Production of Polestar 2, the first pure electric car from the brand, has officially begun in Luqiao, China. With initial production for delivery into Europe, followed shortly by China and North America, the new electric performance fastback is the first electric vehicle to be produced by the Volvo Car Group.

“The world is facing enormous upheaval in the face of the coronavirus pandemic,” comments Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “We start production now under these challenging circumstances with a strong focus on the health and safety of our people. This is a great achievement and the result of huge efforts from the staff in the factory and the team securing the supply chain. I have a huge amount of respect for the entire team – thanks to them!”

Owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding and operated by Volvo Cars, the Luqiao factory is an example of how Polestar leverages the expertise of its parent companies. “Being able to produce in Luqiao means we are able to bring Polestar 2 to market with high build and quality standards right from the beginning,” continues Thomas Ingenlath.

Revealed in February 2019, the Polestar 2 is available in ten global markets across Europe, China and North America. Final order books in each launch market are now being opened sequentially. Reservation holders in each market will be contacted to place their final orders, before public order books open.

The fully electric performance fastback arrives with 408 hp, 487 lb.-ft. of torque, all-wheel drive and a 78 kWh battery pack, which enables a range of 292 miles (WLTP). Polestar 2 is also the world’s first car to feature a built-in infotainment system powered by Android, featuring voice command via the Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store.

Deliveries to customers are due to begin in the summer of 2020 on a market-by-market basis, starting in Europe and followed by China and North America.

About Polestar

Polestar is the electric performance car brand jointly owned by Volvo Car Group and Zhejiang Geely Holding. Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result. This facilitates the successful design, development and production of separately-branded, electric performance cars.

Polestar launched in 2017 with the Polestar 1 – a low-volume Electric Performance Hybrid GT with 619 hp, 738 lb.-ft. and an electric-only range of 70 miles – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. In 2019, the Polestar 2 was revealed as the company’s first fully electric, higher volume premium car. Arriving in markets from the middle of 2020, the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback comes with 408 hp and 487 lb.-ft., all-wheel drive, a 78 kWh battery pack and a range of 470 km (WLTP) for the first year of production.

In 2020, Polestar released the Precept – a vision study vehicle designed to showcase the brand’s future vision in terms of sustainability, digital technology and design. In the future, Polestar 3 will join the portfolio as a fully electric performance SUV.

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