Polestar ups spec, price on 2 range

POLESTAR has announced significant price increases for its three-variant 2 range as the Chinese-Swedish premium BEV brand works to provide what it calls “new solutions connected to climate impact and transparency”.

The specification updates to the marque’s 2 medium sedan are modest; they include new paint finishes, upholstery colours and alloy-wheel designs, a removable sunshade, revised cabin garnish elements, an updated cabin air filter and an optional heat pump, which Polestar says has an optimal temperature range of between -7°C and +25°C.

The changes sees the Polestar 2 variants jump in price between $3500 and $4000, with the entry point to the line-up now from $63,900 (plus on-road costs).

In partnership with Circulor, the Polestar 2 now includes blockchain traceability of mica, in addition to cobalt, which is already traced in Polestar 2 batteries. The blockchain technology allows Polestar to trace risk minerals from material source to finished product.

What’s more, the aluminium tray that carries the battery casing for all versions will see a CO2 emissions reduction of 750kg per car, thanks to the decision to only purchase aluminium for this component from smelters that use renewable energy, says Polestar.

“In our programme updates, we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts. Product optimisation programmes are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar by combining these with CO2 emissions reduction programmes as well,” said Polestar head of sustainability Fredrika Klarén.

“A first pilot has been rolled out – replacing the aluminium in the wheels with low-carbon aluminium that is produced using renewable energy. We expect this to result in a 600 kg CO2 emission reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminium in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 1350kg per car.”

Design detail updates bring new expressions to all Polestar 2 variants. Polestar's strategy on interior trims is to increase the use of renewable, recyclable and recycled materials, and to always include a vegan upholstery option. In Polestar 2, an improved optional Nappa leather upholstery with greater sustainability credentials is now available.

“We require that all leather used in Polestar products must live up to the strictest standards on animal welfare and the Five Freedoms, alongside being fully traceable and chrome-free. A new leather supplier, Bridge of Weir, meets our requirements,” she added.

Although Polestar Australia suspended the ability to order a 2 on its website earlier this month (“Due to high demand, we have sold out of current cars in Europe and Australia,” the firm’s spokesperson told GoAuto at the time), that is no longer the case.

Indeed, the updated Polestar 2 range is available for order online and, if you order a unit now, the delivery of that unit is scheduled for November 2022, the site stated.

2022 (MY23) Polestar 2 pricing*:

Standard Range Single Motor    $63,900    (+$4000)

Long Range Single Motor        $68,400    (+$3500)

Long Range Dual Motor        $73,400    (+$3500)

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.