2024 Polestar 2 brings more power, performance and range
01/24/2023
Polestar
Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) has given the 5-door electric performance fastback, Polestar 2, a major update. For the 2024 model year, the premium EV features a new high-tech front end that reflects the design language premiered by Polestar 3 featuring the SmartZone. The 2024 model also includes substantial performance increases with all-new electric motors, a more powerful battery, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.
"Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car's design theme. With the new model year Polestar 2, we rather went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too," says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.
Polestar 2 first entered the highly competitive premium EV market in 2019, blending Scandinavian design and excellent usability with fun driving characteristics and a dedication to sustainability. It was the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in, an experience that continues to evolve and lead the industry, the latest of which adds connectivity between personal Google devices such as Google Home products and the car. This unique mix of qualities quickly made Polestar 2 a customer favorite, available in 27 markets globally and having surpassed the 100,000-unit production mark in late 2022.
High-tech design tweaks
The SmartZone makes its debut on Polestar 2, signifying the shift from "breathing" through a front grille to "seeing" the road ahead reflecting the high-tech nature of Polestar vehicles. Like on Polestar 3, the SmartZone hosts some of the vehicle's most important active safety features, including the front facing camera and mid-range radar.
As another unique update, the 20-inch forged alloy wheels in the Performance Pack have been updated to align Polestar 2 in its sportiest expression with that of Polestar 3. In addition, Michelin all-season tires are now also available for the standard 19-inch wheels.
New motors, refined ride and rear-wheel drive
Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to both Polestar 2 variants, offering increases in both efficiency and performance. The single-motor variant is now rear-wheel driven, powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new motor has a power output of 299 hp (increased from 231 hp) and is optimized for maximum efficiency and high torque (361 lb-ft, up from 243 lb-ft) to further increase the dynamic performance of the car. The 0-60 mph sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.1 seconds, down to 5.9 seconds.
The dual-motor version now has a rear-drive bias that increases driving pleasure and performance thanks to a completely re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. This enables higher total system output of 421 hp and 546 lb-ft (increased from the original 408 hp and 467 lb-ft), vastly improved traction, greater overall efficiency and higher performance - with 0-60 mph now achieved in 4.3 seconds. Supporting efficiency gains, the front motor can now be disengaged completely when not needed. When the driver wants more power, the front motor re-engages instantly and seamlessly.
A total of 455 hp is available with the optional Performance Pack, and a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 4.1 seconds. The increase in power, performance and driving enjoyment is also available to purchase as a downloadable over-the-air performance software upgrade for any eligible Long range Dual motor cars.
"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," says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar. "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."
Better range and quicker charging
Preliminary expected range improvements are in effect for both versions due to the optimization of power delivery from the more powerful motors. The front motor disconnect function on the Long range Dual motor variant is particularly effective at maximizing range, which is now up to 270 miles EPA[1].
The Long range Single motor version benefits from a new, larger battery of 82 kWh and is now capable of up to 300 miles[1]. Maximum charging speed for this version is now 205 kW DC.
More performance with lower impact
Despite the larger batteries, more powerful motors, longer range and more exciting performance, carbon emissions for versions with the new 82 kWh battery have come down by 1.1 tons to 5.9 tons per car (previously 7 tons per car), thanks to improved cell chemistry. A full life cycle assessment (LCA) is planned later in 2023.
Revised standard equipment increases value
Standard equipment in Polestar 2 has been revised to increase overall value as well as convenience. Driver Awareness features are now standard. Specifically for North America, the Long range Dual motor version now includes the Pilot Pack as standard. The Pilot Pack features Blind Spot Information System with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning Mitigation system, Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, auto-dimming door mirrors and LED front fog lights with cornering assist. The wireless phone charger is now also standard on all versions.
When optioned with the Performance Pack, the Plus Pack is now automatically included as well. Included in the Performance Pack are Brembo brakes, exclusive 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, the Polestar Engineered performance software upgrade and signature gold seat belts.