MY23 update sees Polestar 2 electric car surrender price advantage over Tesla Model 3
The Polestar 2 electric car has surrendered its price advantage over the Tesla Model 3, increasing by up to $4000 with a 2023 model year update that ushers in a series of styling tweaks, cabin upgrades and construction changes.
Now starting from $63,900 plus on-road costs, the 2023 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor is now back on par with the best-selling Tesla Model 3 RWD in terms of price, while the mid-series Long Range Single Motor and top-spec Long Range Dual Motor variants have each risen $3500 to start at $68,400 and $73,400 plus ORCs respectively.
With no meaningful change to each model’s standard equipment list, the bulk of the price hikes can be attributed to the Swedish-founded, Chinese-owned brand’s decision to only purchase aluminium for the battery tray from smelters that use renewable energy.
Additionally, the alloy wheels are now being made of low-carbon aluminium, which according to Polestar combines with the more sustainable aluminium sourcing to reduce each car’s carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by “around 1350kg”.
“We have revisited materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
“These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”
No changes have been made to the Polestar 2’s powertrains, which continue with 165kW/330Nm (single motor) and 300kW/600Nm (dual motor) outputs. The claimed driving range for each model is also unchanged.
In terms of the cosmetic tweaks, most revolve around the trim and some new exterior body colours, although the designs of the standard 19-inch and optional 20-inch alloy wheels have been updated in unison with their eco-friendlier construction.
Joy of joys in a country like Australia, a retractable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof has been added to the standard equipment list and will be added to the Polestar Extras web shop mid-year for existing owners.
Other tweaks include an uprated heat pump, a more advanced cabin filter and corresponding interior particulate matter sensor upgrade for the optional Plus Pack.
Polestar Australia says orders are currently being taken for the updated 2 via its website, with the online configurator nominating a “late November 2022” estimated delivery date for orders placed today (April 28).
How much does the MY23 Polestar 2 cost?Standard Range Single Motor – $63,900Long Range Single Motor – $68,400Long Range Dual Motor – $73,400
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: Polestar 2 prices increase by up to $4000