Volvo, Polestar to make electric car push into Australia in 2020

Volvo and its electrifying offshoot Polestar will make a push into Australia in the next year with two electric vehicles (EVs) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2020.

Swedish-Chinese owned Volvo has confirmed that it will bring the all-electric XC40 SUV by the end of 2020, along with a T5 twin engine PHEV option.

Speaking with Car Advice, Volvo Australia PR boss Greg Bosnich said that both vehicles would arrive in “the later part of 2020”.

There are currently no details about specification for the all-electric XC40, which it is understood will be unveiled by the end of 2019 – Volvo did not make an appearance this year at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

More however is known about the Polestar 2, which will be produced under the Swedish marque’s eponymous spinoff Polestar which evolved from its original Polestar 1 PHEV coupe.

Speaking at the S60 launch this week, Volvo Australia’s managing director Nick Connor confirmed with Cars Guide what had been previously told to The Driven – that the Polestar 2 will come to Australia, and that it will be in 2020.

“It will be here by the end of next year, I would say,” said Connor.

“It will definitely come here. We’re talking to the Polestar team about how and when, and honestly, they’re working so hard to try and get the car into production and into Europe and North America.

“They know we want it – we’re one of their important markets, and I think we’re looking at probably quarter four next year,” he said.

The Polestar 2, which was unveiled in a digital event in March 2019, will have 300kW combined power output from 2 motors, with a 78kWh battery pack that will offer up to 500km driving range.

With a hefty 660Nm torque, it promises to be something special.

It will also follow a Tesla-like sales experience, with showrooms in key cities.

Asked which cities customers would be able to visit to view the Polestar 2, Connor said, “Initially Melbourne and Sydney, I would say, then Brisbane thereafter.”

Buyers would also buy online in the same way that Tesla operates, even when visiting instore, although the showroom may not necessarily be operated by Polestar or Volvo.

“Those spaces could be owned and operated by a dealer, but the sales model is online based. You could go to the store, look at the car and see if you like it, then complete the order at home or on your phone,” said Connor.

Pricing for both the XC40 and Polestar 2 in Australia are expected to be released closer to launch dates.

In Europe, the Polestar 2 is expected to start at €40,000 ($A64,430 converted), and may also be available under a subscription model that would include servicing and connectivity.