An updated 2024 Polestar 2 electric fastback has been revealed, bringing more power, performance, and range to the market.

In addition to a revised look, the premium compact EV features high-tech design tweaks with the introduction of the SmartZone, increased driver assistance systems, as well as new motors, and for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.

“This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

The SmartZone makes its debut on the Polestar 2, hosting some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar.

Standard equipment has been revised – with increased driver Awareness features now standard. This includes Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, along with the 360-degree surround view camera and automatic dimming exterior mirrors. The wireless phone charger is now also standard on all versions.

Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to all Polestar 2 variants, offering significant increases in both efficiency and performance. Single-motor variants are now rear-wheel driven, powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter.

The new motor has a power output of up to 220 kW (increased from 170 kW) and is optimised for maximum efficiency and high torque (490 Nm, up from 330 Nm). The 0-100 km/h sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.2 seconds, down to 6.2 seconds.

The dual-motor version also features a rear-drive bias, with a completely re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque ratio.

The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. This enables higher total system output of 310 kW and 740 Nm (increased from the original 300 kW and 660 Nm), vastly improved traction, greater overall efficiency and higher performance – 0-100 km/h is achieved in 4.5 seconds.

All Polestar 2 versions will also feature upgraded lithium-ion batteries, with a positive impact on efficiency and capacity as well as charging times. Long-range versions now feature 82 kWh batteries, and standard-range versions retain a capacity of 69 kWh.

The updated batteries benefit from a redesigned battery disconnect unit, upgraded busbars and improved cell chemistry – enabling faster charging rates of up to 205 kW DC for long-range batteries and 135 kW for the standard-range battery.

Range improvements are in effect for all versions, maximising range to 592km WLTP (up 105km) for the long-range Dual Motor, as well as 518km (up 40km) for the single motor variant. The long-range single-motor variant can now achieve 635km, an increase of 84km.

Despite the larger batteries, more powerful motors, longer range and more exciting performance, carbon emissions for versions with the new 82 kWh battery have come down by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes per car), thanks to improved cell chemistry.

Australian customers can place orders from Q2, 2023, with first deliveries expected in Q3.

Source: Polestar | Polestar 2 Brings More Power, Performance, and Range

25 January 2023