Polestar ups the range of its 2

POLESTAR has updated its ‘2’ range for the 2024 model year, improving the range, efficiency and performance while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint.

Priced from $67,400 plus on-road costs (+$3500) the Polestar 2 can now travel 22 per cent further, use nine per cent less energy and charge up to 34 per cent faster than the current model, thanks to upgrades including a larger battery pack and new motors.

The Long Range Single Motor is now capable of travelling up to 654km (WLTP) while DC charging speed is now 205kW for versions equipped with the new 82kWh battery. A rear-bias dual motor formula is also said to improve the model’s driveability, while single motor variants are now rear-wheel drive.

Permanent magnet motors and silicone carbide inverters help the single motor achieve an output of up to 220kW (up from 170kW) while the torque value jumps to 490Nm (up from 330Nm). Polestar says the figures help drive down the Single Motor 2’s 0-100km/h time to just 6.2 seconds, a reduction of 1.2 seconds.

For the Dual Motor version, supported by a new asynchronous front motor, the system output figure jumps to 310kW (from 300kW) and 740Nm (from 660Nm), offering what Polestar says is “vastly improved traction, greater overall efficiency and higher performance”.

The claimed 0-100km/h time is listed at 4.5 seconds, or 4.2 seconds with the optional Performance Pack fitted.

“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,” explained Polestar head of chassis development, says Joakim Rydholm.

“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.”

All Polestar 2 versions feature upgraded lithium-ion batteries. Long-range versions now feature 82kWh batteries from CATL with 27 modules. The battery for standard-range versions retains a capacity of 69kWh with 24 modules, and is now supplied by LG Chem.

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

Polestar says the front motor disconnect function on the Long Range Dual Motor variant is particularly effective at maximising range, which is now up to 591km (WLTP), a significant increase of 104km.

The Standard Range Single Motor version is now capable of up to 532km (WLTP), an increase of 54km, while the Long Range Single Motor variant can now achieve up to 654km (WLTP), an increase of 103km.

The MY24 Polestar 2 line-up further benefits from additional standard equipment and convenience features, including an upgraded front-facing camera and mid-range radar system, blind spot information system 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.

“We absolutely love Polestar 2 – such a stylish, fun car to drive. Our engineers have worked hard to integrate important upgrades that really enhance the overall package, and they’ve made it even better,” said Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

“We are proud to see we can do this without increasing its carbon footprint, but rather reducing it.”

2024 Polestar 2 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.