Polestar confirms Australian launch for 2021

AFTER launching as its own brand as an offshoot from parent company Volvo in mid-2017, EV marque Polestar has announced it is planning to officially launch in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

The Chinese-owned Swedish brand has also announced it will be launching in three other Asia-Pacific markets this year – South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong, which will mark a significant expansion for the brand that initially launched in China, North America and Europe.

For Australia, the brand is currently establishing local sales units independent of Volvo’s operations, while New Zealand will “likely” use an importer model, with local partners to be locked in later down the track.

Samantha Johnson has been appointed as managing director of Polestar Australia, who previously held the position of director of business control, financial services and digital transformation for Volvo Australia, and before that, held a variety of roles across a 10-year stint with Harley-Davidson Australia/New Zealand.

Polestar head of China and Asia Pacific regions Nathan Forshaw said progress was underway for the expansion into new markets.

“Specific roll-out timing is at an advanced planning stage and the recruitment of key individuals has begun,” he said.

“While we are growing rapidly, we are ensuring both our organisation and processes ensure a consistent and truly Polestar experience for our customers, wherever they are based.”

While model specifications and pricing are yet to be announced, the most likely starter for Australia will be the Polestar 2 all-electric fastback sedan, which would most likely enter the market as a competitor for the likes of the Tesla Model 3.

The Polestar 2 is powered by a pair of electric motors and a 78kWh, 27-module battery pack capable of an output of 300kW/660Nm, which provides a sub-5.0-second sprint time.

Driving range is pegged at 470km on the WLTP cycle.

Polestar’s first-ever model, the Polestar 1 hybrid GT car, will not be making it to Australia given its non-availability in right-hand drive.

The next model to launch will be the as-yet-unrevealed Polestar 3 electric SUV, followed by a new model previewed by the Precept EV concept uncovered last year.

Designed as a swoopy fastback sedan, the Precept has not had any powertrain details revealed but is described by Polestar as “a manifesto of things to come; a declaration” in terms of the brand’s future direction.

More Australia-specific details including Polestar 2 pricing and specification will be revealed at a later date, ahead of the brand’s launch Down Under before year’s end.