We’ve become so accustomed to seeing Teslas on the road that when we’re blessed with the sight of another fully electric vehicle (without the Tesla branding), we’re entranced; we need to know more! We’ve had our fair share of introductions over the last couple years — Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Ioniq 5, the list goes on — but have you seen any Polestar 2s around?
As Driving’s Elliot Alder said in his review of the 2022 Polestar 2, “You’d be forgiven for not knowing what this is.” And while some may not be ready to jump into the unknown, Mississauga’s Edgardo Majarais took the Polestar plunge.
Originally, he had no intention of buying a new vehicle, but instead went with his sister-in-law to test drive the Polestar.
“I was happily driving a 2020 Kia Stinger GT Limited,” said Ed, but after getting into the Polestar 2, he had a complete change of heart. “I felt a car that was strong and stately, like the German cars I so loved, and didn’t feel as cheap on the inside, like my Kia.”
He was intrigued and according to Ed, “I get infatuated with a car, then I devise a financial plan where I can prove minimal-to-no extra financial burden.”
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
His usual plan of action — which he claims has a success rate of about 50 per cent — is to write to all dealerships with a reasonable price in mind, and said, “whoever gets nearest or under, wins!” The other half the time, he walks away from the vehicle, no hard feelings.
This time, he had a few things to consider, including a clear-out sale of $8,000 off at Polestar Toronto, an awesome trade-in value for his 2020 Kia Stinger (used car prices are currently through the roof), as well as his monthly costs. Once he factored in gas prices and oil changes, Ed said, “The deal practically made itself!”
In November 2021, a week after the test-drive, Ed drove his 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition (without the Performance Pack) out of the Toronto garage — everyone who buys a Polestar gets to drive it out of there — “I get to the street, and bam, the infotainment system craps out, just like the stories on the Internet claim!”
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Once he got the car safely home, he was able to reboot the system, but confirms, “It really was, and is, a glitchy system, although the constant updates have brought it up to a slightly better than tolerable level.”
Other than the sketchy infotainment system, Ed has no major issues with his vehicle and is thoroughly pleased with his purchase. So far, he’s only driven the car in winter conditions, but said the PS2’s all-wheel-drive system was great on snowy and iced out suburban roads.
He also added that on a particularly cold night, driving from Collingwood to Mississauga, “in a delightful GTA mix of the threat of black ice and fast drivers,” the Polestar 2 delivered a good amount of grip — riding on 18” Kuhmo winter tires — never felt that it was lacking traction.
“I’ve owned a lot of cars where people would come up and ask me about my car,” he said. “It is a striking car in the flesh,” and adds that his Magnesium-coloured Polestar looks “understated and reserved,” and most people have positive things to say.
2020 Kia Stinger Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2017 Ford Focus RS Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2005 Yamaha Road Star Warrior Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2018 BMW 330e PHEV Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2014 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2016 Harley Davidson Softail Slim S 110cc Photo by Edgardo Majarais
2001 Honda VTR Photo by Edgardo Majarais
“And that acceleration,” he exclaims. “It has a ton of power all the time, at any speed.”
Ed has owned or leased numerous vehicles in the past including the 2020 Kia Stinger GT Limited, 2018 BMW 330e PHEV, 2017 Ford Focus RS, 2016 Harley Davidson Softail Slim S 110cc, 2014 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, 2011 Subaru WRX, 2005 Yamaha Road Star Warrior, 2001 Honda VTR, and 1999 Honda CBR600F.
Of all his previously owned cars, he said he regrets selling the Tacoma X-Runner RWD Sport pickup. “It was a one of a kind,” and when he traded it in 2017, the dealership informed him there were only five on the market in the country. “It was so retro-modern, with a subwoofer between the two passenger seats, looking like Toyota’s take on the flux capacitor.”
As for the Polestar 2, Ed said the car sits a bit taller than he would like, and certain angles make it look like it’s on stilts, but other than that “it’s by far the most attractive car I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned a lot.”
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
In addition to the list of above vehicles, Ed’s family also owns a 2020 Kia Soul EV. He usually drives the Polestar 2, while his wife prefers to drive the Soul. “Her Soul is old-school in terms of buttons and knobs everywhere, and my car has a few features only accessible by touchscreen, which she doesn’t like.”
If you’re in the market for an all-electric car, Ed recommends doing your homework before jumping into the Polestar 2. While he would definitely recommend it, he also suggested a Tesla for first-time electric vehicle (EV) owners. He said many of the glitches in the Polestar — slamming the brakes when reversing due to overly sensitive sensors, unsaved charging times, difficulty finding a signal for Navigation and certain apps, etc. — have been fixed, or have at least reduced, with the last update (P1.8).
Ed — who has been driving an EV since 2017 — also offered a bit of insight from his EV experience. “One thing I wish someone told me when I first bought an EV,” he explained, “is that 100 per cent charging is not something you do if you want your battery to last. I charge to 80 per cent on most charging cycles, sometimes 90 per cent, and rarely 100 per cent, and only when I know I’m driving far the next day.”
Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2 Launch Edition Photo by Edgardo Majarais
He even suggests multiplying the manufacturer’s posted range by 0.8 if you’re looking to calculate the actual average range. In addition, he has a non-scientific way to gauge the differing range in every season. In the spring and fall, with average temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees celsius outside and no need for climate controls, Ed explained that would be your baseline for range, the most you’ll get. On the hottest days in summer, expect roughly 15 to 20 per cent less range than spring or fall, and up to 50 per cent less range on the coldest days in winter — also depending on highway usage.
While Ed does have a Level 2 charger at home — and confirmed it takes about 40 minutes to charge from 35 to 75 per cent — he said there are plenty of chargers available in Mississauga and Brampton.
“It truly is the way to go,” he exclaimed, “Aside from the environmental benefits, the electric drivetrain is exhilarating! Instant torque is addictive, and the buttery smooth power delivery feels like you are almost flying. Driving an ICE car feels archaic to me now, with its slow acceleration and loud, shaky power delivery.”
Keyword: Owner Review: 2021 Polestar 2