Until March 2022, the Polestar 2 was available in the United States only with the dual-motor AWD set-up. American customers now have another option: a more affordable single motor variant with more range than the AWD Polestar 2. It’s better suited for customers who prefer extra range instead of additional horsepower.
Here’s everything we know about the Polestar 2 in April 2022:
Polestar 2 Design
The Polestar 2 EV has a flowing coupe-like roofline that merges neatly with the rear section. Images: Polestar
The Polestar 2’s design is a blend of a sedan and a crossover. It has 5.9 inches of ground clearance, which is crossover-like, but the overall proportions are of a sedan. Upfront, it has the unique Thor’s hammer DRL signatures and a sizable grille, which is more of an artificial design element than a functional one. Most of us know that EVs do not demand large grilles for heavy air intakes. A simple lower air dam, which the Polestar 2 also has, is enough for airflow to the battery.
The EV has a flowing roofline that merges neatly with the rear section. At the rear, there are C-shaped LED taillamps that integrate seamlessly with a full-width LED light bar.
Interior & Features
The 11-inch touchscreen runs on Android OS and has a web browser. Images: Polestar
The Polestar 2 dual-motor and single-motor variants come with the same standard features. There are two no-extra-cost interior themes available; an all-black ‘charcoal’ theme and a light gray ‘zinc’ option. At USD 4,000 extra, customers can choose options like ‘Ventilated Nappa’ leather and two more paid options.
Powered by Android OS
A highlight in the Polestar 2’s cabin is the 11-inch touchscreen with built-in Google apps and services. There’s Google’s voice assistant; customers can control climate settings, send messages and even play audio—all by voice commands. A web browser called Vivaldi is integrated, just like on your smartphone or laptop. The Android OS also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
More standard features in the Polestar 2’s cabin include an 8-speaker audio system with 250 W output, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors, among others.
Pilot and Plus packs
Customers can also choose the Pilot Pack (USD 3,200), which adds pixel LED lights, cornering lamps, and a host of ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and collision alert. The Plus Pack (USD 4,000) adds a heat pump to maintain optimal battery temperature, Harman Kardon audio, premium upholstery (Charcoal or Slate), and heated steering and seats among other features.
Polestar 2 specifications
The Polestar 2 2WD’s single motor, mounted at the front, produces 231 hp and 243 lb-ft, which is considerably less than the combined power and combined torque of the AWD version’s two motors – 408 hp and 487 lb-ft.
However, the single motor variant is no slouch when it comes to performance and range. The EV sprints to 60 mph in 7 seconds and offers an impressive 270 miles EPA-rated range on a single charge, which is 21 miles more range than the AWD model (249 miles EPA). It may not sound like a lot, but it will undoubtedly make a difference in real-world driving conditions.
It’s worth noting that the range of the 2022 Polestar 2 AWD (249 miles) is slightly more than the 2021 Polestar 2 AWD. EPA extracted more change by switching to 19-inch wheels and also by using a 5-cycle test instead of a 2-cycle test used for the earlier model.
However, if this performance isn’t adequate for you, Polestar offers some cool upgrades. Customers can opt for the Performance Pack by coughing up USD 5,000 extra, which adds Ohlins dual flow valve suspension, Brembo four-piston front calipers, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and summer tires.
Polestar 2 specificationsSingle MotorDual MotorLength181.3 inches181.3 inchesWidth58.2 inches58.2 inchesHeight78.1 inches78.1 inchesWheelbase107.7 inches107.7 inchesMotorSingle (FWD)Dual (AWD)Battery78 kWh78 kWhRange (EPA)270 miles249 milesPower231 hp408 hpTorque243 lb-ft487 lb-ftGround Clearance5.9 inches5.9 inches
Polestar 2 Price & Release Date
The single motor Polestar 2 comes with an MSRP of USD 45,900. Polestar says that the price can drop to USD 33,400 after state and federal incentives. The dual-motor version costs USD 49,900 (MSRP). The AWD was available to customers towards the end of 2021, while the single-motor variant has only been available to order from March 24, 2022.
Production & Sales
In 2021, Polestar met its global sales target of delivering 29,000 vehicles—a year-on-year growth of 185%. However, the brand did not mention model-wise sales. The majority of sales were attributed to the Polestar 2 while the Polestar 1 PHEV accounted for the rest. The Polestar 2 has been on sale in China and Europe since 2020. The EV is manufactured at parent company Geely and Volvo’s super factory in Luqiao, China, and competes with the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4.
5 stars at the Euro NCAP Test
In case of collision, the battery pack’s high-voltage system is automatically cut off from the rest of the EV, eliminating the risk of fire and damage to other components of the circuit. Image: Euro NCAP
The Swedish EV scored an impressive 5 stars on the stringent Euro NCAP crash tests. The MY2021 model with dual motors was tested and it scored 93% in the adult occupancy test, 89% in child occupancy, 80% for vulnerable road users, and 83% for the effectiveness of safety assists. The results are applicable for the single motor variant as well.
Polestar 2 Arctic Circle
Polestar chief chassis engineer Joakim Rydholm tested the special version in the Arctic. Image: Polestar
Polestar has developed a special rally-inspired version of its EV, christened the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle. Polestar chief chassis engineer Joakim Rydholm, who’s also a former rally driver, played a major role in its development process. The one-off version featured increased ride height (+1.18 inches), power and torque increased to 469 hp and 680 Nm, custom-developed 19-inch winter tires with metal studs, and Ohlins dampers among other upgrades.
The model was developed only to showcase the brand’s prowess in vehicle development and is not for sale. The exercise was a part of the brand’s annual winter testing which takes place between December and March.
Featured Image: Polestar
Keyword: Polestar 2 single-motor now available to order in the U.S.