Volvo’s electric vehicle subsidiary Polestar is expanding the Polestar 2 model range to three variants, including a €45,500 ($AU70,000) entry-level variant which will still boast a standard range of 420-kilometres.
The Polestar 2 launched in all major markets through the second half of 2020 with dual motors and a 78kWh battery providing driving range of up to 500-kilometres.
Current pricing for the Long range Dual motor Polestar 2 is around the €51,500 market, based on the German market, which currently coverts to around $AU82,000.
Two new variants of the Polestar will be added, however, both with single motors helping to bring down the price to between €45,000 and €50,000.
“2021 is the year in which Polestar 2 will really gain momentum,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.
“We launched with a strong offer which has set a great tone for the car. Now, we expand the offering with additional versions – each maintaining its unique design, premium quality and fun driving experience.”
“What we have successfully managed with the new versions is to avoid stripping the lower-priced models of their character and premium feeling. Even the most affordable Polestar 2, with no optional equipment, has great visual consistency and high level of standard equipment.”
The existing 300kW (408hp) dual motor variant remains with its 78kWh battery pack but is now joined by two front-mounted single motor variants, available in either a long-range battery with a 170kW motor, or a smaller 64kW battery and a 165kW motor.
Polestar has also added optional equipment packs that have been designed to add value without “plaguing the ordering process with too many single options.”
The existing optional Performance Pack remains, but is available only for the Long range Dual motor variant, and includes Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature ‘Swedish gold’ details inside and out.
Two new packs have been added, the Plus and Pilot packs, which were originally standard on the launch version but are now available as options for the two cheaper models.
The Plus Pack includes premium equipment like a full-length panoramic glass roof, premium 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, WeaveTech upholstery, Black Ash deco panels, fully electric heated front seats with memory, heated rear seats, steering wheel and wiper blades, and a new heat pump.
Meanwhile the Pilot pack includes enhanced safety and driver assistance features such as Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights, Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a 360-degree surround view camera, all-round parking sensors, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning.
Pricing ranges from around €45,500 ($AU71,000, converted) for the new entry-level model and up to €51,500 ($AU80,000, converted) for the Long range Dual motor variant, stopping at €48,500 ($AU75,000, converted) along the way for the Long range Single motor variant.
Meanwhile, the Performance Pack costs €6,000 ($AU9,000, converted), the Plus Pack costs €4,500 ($AU7,000, converted), and the Pilot Pack costs €3,500 ($AU5,400, converted).
Exactly what the prices will be when the Polestar 2 launches in Australia by the end of 2021 – as was confirmed last month – is uncertain at the moment.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range currently sells in Australia from around $AU81,900, so it looks as if the two new models will come in significantly under that, minus extras, which is good news for Australians looking to try out a new EV.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.