The article was originally produced on August 31, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

In my series on three electric cars, we have already discussed the Volkswagen ID .3. Now it's Polestar 2's turn!

Few doubt that the automotive industry is heading towards an electric future. Tesla has shown the way and so slowly the other brands are now starting to present their models. Volvo chose to split its brand into two when Polestar was born. The first model, the Polestar 1, was a sporty hybrid model that caught the attention of the media and the automotive world. We wrote about it recently and here can you read that article.

660 Newton meters

Now Polestar releases the second model, 2, which is a purely electric car. With two electric motors, it produces 408 horses and 660 Newton meters. This means that you get from standstill to hundred in 4.7 seconds. You really feel it in your body when you press full on the gas pedal! The performance and response of electric cars can be compared to many sports cars.  

In terms of appearance, Polestar 2 differs from 1. The second is a compact SUV in coupe format. The closest comparison, both in terms of size and shape, is the BMW X4. In the dark, the silhouette is also reminiscent of the old Volvo 360. In daylight, however, the two models cannot be compared. The shapes of the Polestar 2 are derived from the Volvo concept 40.2 shown in 2016. 

recycled materials

Inside it feels really good. The material choices are elaborate and the technology top notch. They use recycled materials and have avoided leather and vinyl to protect the environment. The details are not as carefully executed as on the Polestar 1, but big brother, on the other hand, felt like a "show car". 

Most of the Polestar 2's systems are controlled via a large touchscreen that sits high on the center console. Below the screen is the really nice switch. Of course, you are reminded that there is a lot of Volvo in the details, but it is nothing that disturbs. 

The infotainment system is developed by Google and is called Android Automotive. As a die-hard Apple user, I am reluctant to familiarize myself with this system, but there is no denying that it works very well. Fortunately, it is also possible to connect your iPhone via CarPlay as well. 

Positive effect

We have already established that the Polestar 2 is fast when accelerating and this is a positive effect of the general performance of electric cars. What also impresses is the regenerative braking effect that charges the battery when you let off the gas. It can be set in different positions. When you release the gas pedal in the most powerful position, the car's engine brakes so strongly that you don't need to use the brake at all. The only question is how this will affect the brakes in the long run, because brakes feel good from being used. 

Because the electric cars' engines are so quiet, it is easy for the road noise to appear more clearly, and this is also the case with the Polestar 2. The noise of the tires is clearly heard, even if it is not very disturbing. We will probably see a lot of development in the future with active noise reduction technology. 

Swedish Öhlins

If you have opted for the performance package for SEK 60,000, in addition to mustard yellow belts and larger rims, you also get dampers from Swedish Öhlins. These can be adjusted, but it has to be done manually with tools, which feels a bit strange.

After driving around my hometown of Gothenburg, I feel that the Polestar 2 is a car I really enjoy. It is stylish, fast, comfortable and has a high technical quality. Exactly the things I want from a car. The only thing missing is a proper charging infrastructure so you can really appreciate your electric car to the fullest.

Polish 2

Basic price from	SEK 659,000. (+60,000 SEK for the performance package)
Engine	Electric, 408 hp. Torque 660 Nm
Transmission	2 electric motors, four-wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 4.7 seconds
Top speed	205 km/h
Consumption acc. WLTP	19.3 kW/100 km
Range acc. WLTP	470 km. (City 560 km)
Weight	2,123 kg
Web	www.polestar.com