Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar is giving the 5-door electric performance fastback, Polestar 2, a major update. For the 2024 model year, the premium compact EV features a new high-tech front end, substantial performance increases with all-new electric motors, even more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.
“Typically, in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme,” said Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. “With the new model year Polestar 2, we went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and the best looking one, too.”
Polestar 2 first entered the highly competitive premium EV market in 2019, blending Scandinavian design and excellent usability with fun driving characteristics and a dedication to sustainability. It was the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in, an experience that continues to evolve and lead the industry. This unique mix of qualities quickly made Polestar 2 a customer favourite, available in 27 markets globally and having surpassed the 100,000-unit production mark in late 2022.
The SmartZone makes its debut on Polestar 2, and as with the Polestar 3, it hosts some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front facing camera and mid-range radar. The 20-inch forged alloy wheels in the Performance Pack have been updated to align Polestar 2 in its sportiest expression with that of Polestar 3. Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to all Polestar 2 variants, offering substantial 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) to further increase the dynamic performance of the car. The 0-100 km/h sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.2 seconds, down to 6.2 seconds.
All Polestar 2 versions, in most markets, feature upgraded lithium-ion batteries, with a positive impact on efficiency and capacity as well as charging times. Range improvements are due to the larger and improved batteries, and the optimisation of power delivery from the more powerful motors. The front motor disconnect function on the long-range dual motor variant is particularly effective at maximising range, which is now up to 592 km WLTP, a significant increase of 105 km. The standard-range single motor version is now capable of up to 518 km WLTP, an increase of 40 km, and the long-range single motor variant can now achieve up to 635 km WLTP, an increase of 84 km. Sustainability improvements reduce carbon impact by 1.1 tonnes.
“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” said Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”
