Polestar 2 2024, the long-awaited update to the electric fastback
Polestar has announced the 2024 version of its electric fastback Polestar 2. At first glance, we can see a subtle facelift, but the most important part of the update focuses on performance, with a significant improvement in both engines and batteries, and therefore, in its autonomy.
Although the Polestar 2 is one of the newest models on the market, updates that improve the performance of vehicles year after year are still necessary. In the case of the Polestar 2 2024, aesthetically speaking, it debuts the new ‘SmartZone’ front end, in line with its sibling, the Polestar 3. As with the Polestar 3, the ‘SmartZone’ grille houses some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front camera and mid-range radar. In addition, the 20-inch forged alloy wheels of the ‘Performance Pack’ have been upgraded to align with those of Polestar 3.
Technically, the Polestar 2 2024 includes enhancements such as new electric motors, a more powerful battery pack and sustainability improvements. One of the big new features is that the single-motor variant now has rear-wheel drive, powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. Head of chassis development at Polestar, Joakim Rydholm, said:
“Switching from front to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants and recalibrating the torque ratio in the twin-motor variant for a more rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level.
The updated Polestar 2 is an even more fun and agile car that retains its compact size and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with greater comfort.”
The new engine has a power output of 299 hp, up from 231 hp previously, and is optimised for maximum efficiency and high torque of 489 Nm (previously 329 Nm). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h has therefore been reduced by 1.1 and is now possible in 5.9 seconds.
In the twin-engine version, the new rear engine is the main drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. This allows for a higher total power output of 421 hp and 740 Nm (up from 408 hp and 633 Nm previously), as well as improved traction, greater overall efficiency and increased performance, with 0-100 km/h acceleration now possible in 4.3 seconds. It is now also possible to switch off the front engine when it is not needed and when more power is required, the front engine is instantly switched back on.
A total of 455 hp is available with the Performance Pack, as well as acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The power and performance boost is also available to purchase as a downloadable software upgrade for any dual long-range car.
The ‘Single Motor Long Range’ version is equipped with a new, larger 82 kWh battery, which translates into a range of up to 482 kilometres. The maximum charging speed for this version is now 205 kW DC. In the ‘Dual Motor Long Range’ variant, the estimated range is 435 km EPA.
Importantly, despite the improvements listed above, the carbon emissions of the versions with the new 82 kWh battery have been reduced by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes), thanks to improved cell chemistry.
In termsof technology, as you know, the Polestar 2 was the first car in the world to feature Android Automotive OS with Google integrated, giving it added purchase appeal. At Somos Electricos, wetested both the ‘Long Range Single Motor’ version and the ‘Long Range Dual Motor’ with the ‘Performance’ package, and we really liked both of them.
The Polestar 2 first entered the electric vehicle market in 2019. Currently, the Polestar 2 is sold in 27 markets globally, having passed the 100,000-unit production mark by the end of last year 2022. As for the Polestar 2 2024, it is already possible to order it on its website, with deliveries expected to begin at the end of 2023.
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