EV News

“Fastest Polestar production car to date:” Polestar 4 debuts at Shanghai auto show

Sweden-based electric vehicle specialist Polestar has revealed its second all-electric SUV, the Polestar 4 at the Shanghai auto show in China on Tuesday, hailing it as its fastest production car to date.

Polestar says the Polestar 4, which it describes as an “SUV coupé” will come in two variants, both with a 102kWh battery.

A single motor version will deliver a range of up to 560kms, while a dual motor version will feature a 400 kW (544 hp) electric motor and will be able to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

“Polestar 4 is not simply a modified version of our first SUV. Instead, we reconsidered the entire design to create a new breed of SUV coupé,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

The Polestar 4, includes an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and now utilises a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

Polestar 4 interior. Source: Polestar

Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holdings, Polestar 4 is a D-segment SUV coupé with a large body and long, 2,999 mm wheelbase. Overall length is 4,839 mm, width is 2,139mm and height is 1,544 mm.

Both long-range versions come with a 102kWh battery. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency. Wheels range from 20 to 22- inches in size, depending on the version, with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin.

Polestar 4 battery and drivetrain

The full-length glass roof is available with optional electrochromic functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent execution. Thanks to the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof now stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads.

A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.

Polestar 4 interior. Source: Polestar

Polestar says the rear-view mirror has been replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera which enables a far wider field of view than can be experienced in most modern cars.

The digital feed from the rear view screen can be deactivated to allow drivers to see rear seat occupants if needed.

Up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging is included for all versions. Bi-directional charging is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at launch providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4.

Polestar on a mission to change the automotive industry

The Swedish performance EV brand says it’s determined to improve society by using design and technology to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. Polestas cars are now available in 27 markets globally, including Australia. The company plans on developing a “truly climate-neutral” production car without offsetting by 2030.

Polestar says that more circular and low-carbon materials replace traditional solutions in the Polestar 4 including greater supply chain transparency like blockchain traceability for risk materials in the batteries.

Polestar says that a full lifecycle assessment (LCA), showing the true carbon footprint of the car will be published alongside the Polestar 4 Product Sustainability Declaration in 2024.

The Polestar 4 will launch first in China, with production planned to begin in November 2023. The Polestar 4 will be made at the Geely-owned state-of-the-art production facility which operates on 100% renewable electricity.

A full-scale launch for other markets, including in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, is planned for early 2024.

Polestar says indicative launch pricing is from €60,000, or around $A98,000.

Electric motors, transmission and chassis

Long range Dual motor Long range Single motor
Motor type Permanent magnet synchronous motors
Motor configuration Dual, front and rear Single, rear
Transmission Single speed with
disconnect clutch
Single speed
Platform Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA)
Steel monocoque
Body type D-segment SUV coupé
Seating configuration 5-seat

Output and performance

Long range Dual motor Long range Single motor
Power 400 kW (544 hp) 200 kW (272 hp)
Torque 686 Nm (506 lb-ft) 343 Nm (253 lb-ft)
Top speed 200 km/h (124 mph) 180 km/h (112 mph)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph)* 3.8 seconds 7.4 seconds

Efficiency

Long range Dual motor Long range Single motor
Energy consumption* 16.7-16.8 kWh/100 km 14.8-14.9 kWh/100 km
Range target (WLTP)* Up to 560 km / 350 miles Up to 600 km / 372 miles
Range target (EPA)* Up to 270 miles Up to 300 miles
Drag coefficient 0.269 Cd

*Preliminary data. Official energy consumption and range certification data is pending and will be released in 2024.

Battery and Charging

Long range Dual motor and Long range Single motor
Type 400V lithium-ion
Manufacturer CATL
Chemistry Nickel-manganese-cobalt
Capacity (nominal) 102 kWh
Capacity (useable) 94 kWh
Construction 110 prismatic cells
Charging capacity (AC) Up to 22 kW
Charging time (AC) 0-100% in 5.5 hours (3-phase, 32A)
Charging capacity (DC) Up to 200 kW
Charging time (DC) 5-80% in 32 min (200 kW)

Dimensions and Weight

Long range Dual motor Long range Single motor
Wheelbase 2,999 mm
Length 4,839 mm
Height 1,544 mm
Width incl. mirrors 2,139 mm
Ground clearance 166 mm
Turning circle kerb to kerb 11.6 m
Kerb weight 2,232-2,351 kg
Weight distribution 50:50:00
Front storage compartment 15 litres
Rear luggage capacity 500 litres
Rear cargo capacity 1,536 litres
Towing capacity 2,000 kg 1,500 kg
Tongue weight limit 100 kg
Roof load maximum 75 kg

Wheels, tyres, brakes, suspension

Long range Dual motor Long range Single motor
Wheels, standard 20-inch cast alloy
Wheels, optional 21-inch cast alloy or 21-inch forged alloy
Wheels, Performance Pack 22-inch forged alloy
Tyres, standard 255/50R20
Pirelli P Zero (Europe)
Pirelli Scorpion A/S (North America)
Tyres, optional 255/45R21
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 EV (Europe)
Michelin Primacy A/S (North America)
Tyres, Performance Pack 265/40R22
Pirelli P Zero (all markets)
Brakes, standard 364 mm (front) and 350 mm (rear) ventilated discs
Brakes, Performance Pack Brembo 4-piston callipers, 392 mm drilled and
ventilated discs (front)
Standard single-piston, 364 mm ventilated discs (rear)
Not available
Suspension, front 4-link
Suspension, rear Integral link
Damping Semi-active dampers and coil springs High-capacity passive
dampers with coil springs

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