Polestar is making considerable changes to its basic Polestar 2 EV starting with the 2024 model year, including an updated entry finish bodywork similar to the new new Polestar 3 mannequin — for better “visibility.”
Notably, Polestar’s SmartZone replaces the conventional grille area with an array of digicam and radar sensors intended for security and driving assistance. The SmartZone, according to the company, represents a “change from ‘breathing’ through a front grille to’seeing’ the road ahead.”
The 2024 Polestar 2 will also gain significant efficiency gains with all-new electrical motors, a more powerful battery, sustainability advancements, and, for the first time in a Polestar vehicle, accessible rear-wheel drive.
“In the automotive business, a facelift often includes superficial cosmetic alterations that frequently damage the original goal of the vehicle’s design concept,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “With the new model year Polestar 2, we looked under the surface and improved significant tech and mechanical components of the electric powertrain. This is the greatest Polestar 2 yet, and with the redesigned front design and new SmartZone, it’s also the nicest looking.”
Polestar was founded in 1996 to provide high-performance versions of Volvo products. The idea was similar to Mercedes-partnership Benz’s with AMG or BMW’s M sub-brand. Volvo was purchased by Geely, a Chinese carmaker, in 2010, and Polestar was purchased by the business in 2015.
Polestar transitioned from creating high-performance variations of Volvo products to its own line focused on electrification in 2017. The Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid debuted in 2018, followed by the Polestar 2 EV in 2019. The Polestar 2 was the first vehicle in the globe to have an infotainment system driven by Android Automotive OS and Google Assistant.
The Polestar 1 was always a low-production speciality mannequin, but the Polestar 2 achieved 100,000 unit production in late 2022. Polestar introduced the all-electric Polestar 3 as a midsize crossover SUV in 2022, with plans to launch Polestar models 4, 5, and 6 over the next three years as a compact crossover, government vehicle, and sporting activities automobile, respectively.
Polestar will replace the electrical motors and inverters in both the single-motor and dual-motor Polestar 2 models as part of the 2024 update. The additional components are intended to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
The single-motor form is now rear-wheel driven, with a newly built permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new motor has a 299 horsepower influence output (up from 231) and is designed for efficiency and 361 pound-feet of torque (up from 243). The 0-60 mph time might be reduced to 5.9 seconds, down from 7 seconds.
The new model’s efficiency will be significantly improved with all-new electric motors, a more powerful battery, sustainability features, and rear-wheel drive.
For sportier driving efficiency, the dual-motor AWD Polestar 2 now has a rear-drive bias. The new rear motor is the initial drive supply, with a fresh new asynchronous motor on the front axle. This results in an enhanced overall system output of 421 hp and 546 lb-ft (elevated from the unique 408 hp and 467 lb-ft).
Polestar claims that the redesigned driveline provides significantly greater traction, higher overall effectivity, and enhanced efficiency. The dual-motor model can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. When not in use, the entry motor may now be completely disabled for maximum efficiency. When the driver need more power, the front motor quickly and smoothly re-engages.
With the optionally available Performance Pack, a total of 455 horsepower is available, reducing the 0-60 mph sprint time to 4.1 seconds. Notably, the Performance Pack may be purchased as a downloaded over-the-air software programme upgrade for qualified long-range dual-motor vehicles.
“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variations, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor model for an improved rear-wheel drive sensation,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s Head of Chassis Development.
“The redesigned Polestar 2 is an even more lively and nimble vehicle, preserving its compactness and total sensation of control while maturing and adding comfort.”
Polestar anticipates range expansions for all versions due to enhanced energy supply from the new motors. The front motor disconnect function on the long-range dual-motor model is estimated to increase range by up to 270 miles on the EPA test cycle.
Polestar anticipates the long-range single-motor vehicle to achieve a 300-mile range rating with a new, larger battery of 82 kWh. The single-motor model’s maximum DC rapid charging velocity might be 205 kW.
Polestar may include more standard tools for the upgraded model. The long-range dual-motor Polestar 2 now includes the Pilot Pack, as is common in North America. Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with brake assist, a rear collision warning mitigation system, adaptive cruise management, a 360-degree digicam, pilot help, auto-dimming door mirrors, and LED entrance fog lights with cornering help are all available with the Pilot Pack. The wireless smartphone charger is now standard on all variants.
When the Performance Pack is added to the 2024 Polestar 2, the Plus Pack may be included as well. Brembo brakes, 20-inch cast alloy wheels, hlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, the Polestar Engineered efficiency software programme upgrade, and trademark gold seat belts are all part of the Performance Pack.
Polestar.com is already accepting orders for the 2024 Polestar 2, with initial deliveries coming later this year.
