Polestar 2 Adds Single-Motor Variant With Longer Range
The Polestar 2, fresh off of being named “Best New Car of 2021” by The Car Guide, is already getting significant changes.
The Swedish company today announced that its electric fastback sedan will add a single-motor variant both in Canada and the U.S., effectively mirroring the Tesla Model 3.
- Also: Polestar Aims to Have World’s First Climate Neutral Car by 2030
- Also: First Polestar 2 Deliveries in Canada Have Begun
Obviously, while switching from AWD to RWD, customers will also lose a big chunk of power. The single-motor Polestar 2 features 231 horsepower, up from the 204 horsepower on each axle of the dual-motor variant. The 78-kWh battery is the same.
On the other hand, range is estimated at 434 kilometres versus 375 kilometres with AWD. What’s more, with the heat pump included in the new Plus Pack, the vehicle can gain as much as 10 percent more range in normal conditions, as is the case with the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
The Plus Pack is also available with the dual-motor Polestar 2. Additional extras include a full-length panoramic glass roof, premium Harman Karmon audio system with 13 speakers, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, Black Ash wood deco panels, as well as heated rear seats, steering wheel and wiper blades.
More Good Stuff
Google’s new Android Auto OS powers the infotainment system via an 11-inch center display and 12.3-inch dashboard display, featured as standard on all variants. A new Polestar app and Polestar Digital Key will begin rolling out to all Polestar 2 owners via an over-the-air update from May.
Furthermore, much like the WeaveTech vegan upholstery introduced in 2020, the new embossed textile upholstery is a vegan material and is available in two colour finishes, both matched to 3D-etched interior panels.
“2021 is the year in which Polestar 2 will really gain momentum,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “We launched with a strong offer which has set a great tone for the car. Now, we expand that offering with additional versions. Even the most affordable Polestar 2, with no option packs, has great visual consistency and high level of standard equipment.”
Canadian pricing for the new variants and options will be announced in the coming weeks, but the company says it will be very competitive. The single-motor car will arrive in North America at the end of 2021.
Incidentally, as part of Polestar’s Earth Day sustainability initiatives, the brand is offering a rebate of $2,000 to those who are trading in an internal combustion vehicle and taking delivery of a new Polestar 2 before the end of April.