Increased power and performance in the new Polestar 2

The wait is over as Polestar has revealed its much-anticipated, improved, and updated Polestar 2. The Swedish brand’s 2024 version of their five-door electric performance hatchback, features an upgraded exterior design and enhanced performance capabilities – more befitting of their premium compact EV.

The original Polestar 2

First released by the brand in 2019 – the Polestar 2 made an immediate impact in the premium EV market with its perfect blend of drivability, usability, sustainability, and Scandinavian design.

This trend setting vehicle was the first to house an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in. This is a constantly evolving feature that continues to inspire the industry.

Thanks to the Polestar 2’s long list of desirable qualities, it has become a customer favourite in the premium EV segment. It has since become available in 27 markets around the world, and had already surpassed 100,000 units produced by late 2022.

Polestar 2: Exterior upgrades

The modifications made to the 2024 Polestar 2 model include a new, high-tech front end, that emulates the design language of the exclusive Polestar 3. Additionally, the Performance Pack 20-inch forged alloy wheels, fitted on the latest version, have also been updated to provide the Polestar 2 with a sportier persona, reminiscent of the athletic looking Polestar 3.

“Typically, in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme. With the new model year Polestar 2, we rather went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

Polestar 2: High-tech upgrades

Thanks to the introduction of the SmartZone to the Polestar 2’s setup, the high-tech nature of Polestar models is now on full display. The SmartZone fitted in both the Polestar 3 and the 2024 model Polestar 2, includes a front facing camera and mid-range radar, along with several of the vehicles’ most important active safety features.

Polestar 2: Improved powertrain and driving experience

All the 2024 Polestar 2 model variants are now powered by next-generation electric motors and inverters. These upgrades ensure a substantial improvement in both performance and efficiency. 

Powered by a recently developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide invertor combination, all single-motor variants of the Polestar 2 range are now rear-wheel drives.

This feisty new motor delivers a decent power output of up to 220 kW – 50 kW more than the previous generation.

Furthermore, this impressive new motor has been fully optimised for maximum efficiency as well as to produce up to 490 Nm of torque. This is a whopping 160 Nm more than the outgoing model. This increase in power enables the Polestar 2 to deliver a far more exciting on-road performance, one that includes a very respectable 0 – 62mph time of 6.2 seconds – 1.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

The Polestar 2 is also available in a dual-motor version. Thanks to a complete rebalance of both the torque-ratio and the drivetrain, the rear-drive bias of dual-motor models, greatly improves both performance and sheer driving enjoyment.

The new rear motor provides most of the go forward on these models, backed up by a new asynchronous motor mounted on the front axle. This new setup creates a higher total system output of 740 Nm and 310 kW. This is an 80 Nm and a 10 kW improvement on the original. This all translates to a superior performance, increased overall efficiency, and significantly improved traction.

Acceleration wise, the dual-motor version of the new Polestar 2 delivers a 0 – 62 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. To ensure maximum efficiency, the powerful front motor can now be disengaged whenever it’s not required, and can be instantly reengaged the moment the driver requires more power.

The optional Performance Pack takes the new Polestar 2’s performance to the next level. It provides up to 350 kW of power, and delivers a 0 – 62 mph time of just 4.2 seconds. As amazing as it sounds, this substantial increase in performance, power, and driving pleasure, can be easily purchased as a downloadable, over-the-air performance, software upgrade. This advanced option is available for any of the eligible long-range, dual-motor Polestar 2 models.

“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”

Polestar 2: Extended range and faster charging times

All Polestar 2 versions, currently being sold in most markets, now use upgraded lithium-ion batteries. This inclusion has had a major impact on both the car’s capacity and efficiency, and has greatly reduced charging times. The batteries of standard-range versions retain their 69 kWh capacity with 24 modules, whilst the long-range versions, available in most markets, now house 82 kWh batteries with 27 modules.

The changing rate of these enhanced batteries has been vastly improved thanks to a redesigned battery disconnect unit and improved cell chemistry, along with upgraded busbars. These improvements enable these batteries to be charged at a far faster rate including up to 135 kW DC for standard-range versions, and up to 205 kW DC for long-range versions.

All new Polestar 2 versions now offer an extended driving range thanks to their larger, upgraded batteries. The optimisation of power delivery from their new, more powerful motors is another contributing factor.

The standard-range, single-motor version now delivers up to 518 km WLTP, which is a 40 km improvement. The long-range, single motor variant is now capable of delivering up to 635 km WLTP, which is a significant increase of 84 km.

The before mentioned disconnect function, of the more powerful front motor – on the long-range dual-motor versions – also greatly assists in the maximisation of this variant’s range, which is now 592 km WLTP. This is an impressive increase of 105 km.

Polestar 2: Maximised performance with minimised impact

One may think that bigger batteries, more powerful motors, an increased range, and overall upgraded performance capabilities, means more harmful carbon emissions. This is not the case with the 2024 Polestar 2 versions housing the new 82 kWh battery. The emissions of these variants have been reduced from 7 tonnes per vehicle, to 5.9 tonnes per vehicle. This is an impressive 1.1 tonnes per vehicle reduction. This minimisation of emissions is largely due to the improvement in cell chemistry.

Polestar 2: Additional features equipped as standard

The overall value of the 2024 Polestar 2 has been greatly increased thanks to the inclusion of several additional standard features. Many driver assistance features such as Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, have all been included as standard in the setup. Also equipped is a 360-degree surround view camera, along with automatic dimming exterior mirrors. Additionally, all versions now come fitted with wireless phone charging capabilities.

The 2024 Polestar 2 is now available to order. In European markets this can be done online at Polestar.com. More markets will be providing this online option very soon. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2023. Prices start at EUR 50,190. You can find your local pricing at Polestar.com.