2024 Polestar 2 EV switches to rear-drive, seeks 300-mile range

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Polestar has announced a comprehensive drive system refresh for the Polestar 2 hatchback that improves range and efficiency. This includes a new motor, a slightly larger battery pack for some versions and, perhaps for the best, a change in priorities.

In the midst of a complete refresh of its drive system, Polestar switched the single-motor model from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The changes are very much in line with what Volvo announced last week for the upcoming single-motor versions of the XC40 Recharge and related C40 Recharge, which share Volvo’s CMA platform with the Polestar 2.

Battery capacity in the rear-wheel-drive model has also increased by 4 kwh—to 82 kwh—versus the all-wheel-drive version—enabling what Polestar hopes will be a 300-mile EPA range, up 35 miles from the outgoing single-motor version. But regardless, Polestar claims that the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing battery packs are down due to better cell chemistry.

The new rear-wheel drive version now allows charging at a peak of 205 kw instead of 155 kw for the other models.

2024 Pole Star 2

2024 Pole Star 2

That said, the all-wheel-drive version’s range has also been increased, now up to 270 miles. The company says that the front motor can now be completely removed when not needed; it is used for additional power and/or traction.

Furthermore, Polestar says that the dual-motor all-wheel drive version of the Polestar 2 now has a “rear-drive bias that enhances driving pleasure and performance.” Both motors are new, and by replacing the induction motor at the front wheel and prioritizing the rear permanent magnet motor, the output of the dual-motor all-wheel drive version of the Polestar 2 has increased significantly — to 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, or 455 hp and 546 lb-ft with the available Performance Pack. That improves 0-60 mph times to 4.3 and 4.1 seconds respectively, from 4.45 and 4.2 seconds previously.

The Performance Package now includes what was once part of the Plus Package, with Brembo brakes, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, Öhlins dual-flow dampers, and Polestar Engineered software upgrades that remain downloadable to any US two-motor car.

It’s not as powerful as Polestar is offering with the $1,195 over-the-air software-based performance upgrade available for 2021 to 2023 dual-motor models, but it does have a lot more torque.

Polestar has not clarified to Green Car Reports whether the motorcycle is company-owned. The company is developing its own motors and battery packs, and plans to have a unique electrical architecture in future vehicles.

While the Polestar 2 looks largely the same, a noteworthy difference is the distinct front-end look, with the inclusion of what’s called a SmartZone, rather than a grille, which packs more cleanly the active safety hardware including the front and center cameras. radar range.

2024 Pole Star 2

2024 Pole Star 2

The Polestar 2 also gets extended active safety and technology features for some of its lineup. All versions of Polestar 2 add wireless phone charging. The dual-motor model now also includes blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic warning and rear-end collision warning, as well as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system and cornering-assist LED front fog lights.

The 2023 Polestar 2 currently starts at $49,800 in single-motor form, including a $1,400 destination fee. While the possibility of a price increase, the price has not been confirmed. Polestar says the 2024 model is available to order now, though the brand suggests it’s still taking orders for the 2023 front-drive single-motor car. First deliveries of the revamped 2024 version will begin later this year.

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