The 2024 Polestar 2 is a stylish electric car resembling the Volvo S60. It’s made by Polestar, a company connected to Volvo, and it’s designed so that it does not need gas at all. Even the basic model of this car has 295 horsepower and can go 320 miles before it needs to be charged again. There are also two versions with all-wheel drive; one has 416 horsepower, and the other, the Performance Pack, has 449 horsepower.Â
Both of these can travel 276 miles on a full charge. While the Polestar 2 costs more than the cheapest Tesla Model 3, it can go farther on a single charge. Unlike the Tesla, it has a more usual driver’s area with standard gauges and uses Google’s Android for its software.Â
The Polestar 2 improves yearly with more features, extended range, and power. It needs to keep improving to stay ahead in the race with other electric cars like the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. But even now, it’s a top pick for people looking to buy an electric vehicle and has earned recognition as a top choice in 2024.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Polestar 2
Pros
- Electric Performance: With up to 449 horsepower in the Performance Pack version, the Polestar 2 offers strong acceleration and an engaging drive.
- Range and Charging: Offering up to 320 miles of range in the single-motor version and fast charging capabilities, it caters well to daily commutes and longer journeys.
- Interior Design and Comfort: A modern, eco-friendly interior that combines functionality with luxury, including vegan material options.
- Safety and Technology: Comes with advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS.
Cons
- Price: Starts at a higher price point than some competitors, including the base Tesla Model 3.
- Limited Cargo Space: The cargo area is smaller than some rivals, which might limit practicality for some users.
- Performance Pack Range: Opting for the Performance Pack reduces the overall range, a trade-off for higher performance.
What’s New in 2024 Polestar 2?
For 2024, the Polestar 2 electric car has been updated with a bigger battery and new technology to go farther on a single charge. The model that used to be driven by a motor in the front now has its motor in the back and can go 30 miles more, adding up to 320 miles total.Â
The versions with two motors can now go 276 miles, 16 miles more than before. Also, all models now have more power; the one with a single motor has increased to 295 horsepower, and the one with two motors has risen to 416 horsepower. Polestar made changes to make the back motor more robust.Â
They’ve also updated the 20-inch wheels that come with the special Performance Pack, and now you can choose all-season tyres for the 19-inch wheels. The bigger battery can charge up to 205 kW faster than ever.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The cost for the 2024 Polestar 2 starts at $51,300 and can go as high as $64,400, depending on what you choose.
- Long Range RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive): $51,300
- Long Range AWD (All-Wheel Drive): $56,700
- Long Range with Performance Pack: $64,400
The rear-drive, single-motor Polestar 2 has a long enough range that you might not need to charge it every night. It’s also quick because it has 295 horsepower. The Performance Pack is great for people who love driving because it makes the car even more powerful. But, it does reduce the car’s range. Choosing a cheaper model that can go farther on a single charge is better than opting for the top-performance model.
Electric Motor, Power, and How the Car Drives
Basic Power Setup
The Polestar 2 starts with one motor that can make the car go fast using 295 horsepower. This motor also makes the car very strong, with the ability to push forward hard. This power goes to the back wheels, making the car move.
More Power with Two Motors
If you choose the version with two motors, your car will have even more power—416 horsepower, to be exact. This makes the vehicle more robust and faster because it can push with 546 units of strength. This version has power going to all the wheels, which helps the car grip the road better in different weather.
For Those Who Love Speed
For people who like fast cars, there’s a unique option called the Performance Pack. This makes the car even faster, with 449 horsepower. It means the car can start from not moving to moving fast (60 miles per hour) in just about 4.1 seconds. This fast version also has big wheels and special tyres for summer, parts that make the car steadier, and even brakes at the front.
Driving and Stopping
We drove the Polestar 2 with one motor, and it was fast! It could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. The car also has a unique feature that lets you control how quickly it slows down when you stop pushing the gas pedal. You can even make it stop without having to move the brake pedal. Although the fast version is exciting, the car feels more excellent with the basic setup. It’s smoother and more comfortable for everyday driving.
Range, How to Charge, and Battery Information
Battery Sizes and Their Use
The Polestar 2 uses a unique design that lets it have a big battery to store electricity. There are two sizes of batteries. One is 75.0-kWh for the cars that use two motors and all-wheel drive. The other is a bit bigger, 79.0-kWh, for the vehicles with one engine and rear-wheel drive. This design is based on the same idea as a gas-powered car called the Volvo XC40, but it’s changed to work for an electric vehicle.
Fast Charging
If you have a bigger battery, these batteries can be charged up to 205 kilowatts. Polestar says if you have the 75.0-kWh battery, you can set it from empty to 80% in 40 minutes. That’s quick!
How Far You Can Go
How far the Polestar 2 can go before it needs to be charged again depends on a few things. If you have the single-motor model with smaller wheels (19-inch), it can go up to 320 miles. If you choose bigger wheels (20-inch), it goes less far, about 307 miles. The two-motor model with smaller wheels can go 276 miles; with bigger wheels, it goes 266 miles. There’s also a particular two-motor model that’s even faster and has other upgrades. However, it can only go 247 miles before it needs a charge.
Real-world Testing
We tested the single-motor Polestar 2 Plus to see how far it could go. On a highway test at 75 mph, it went 250 miles before running out of battery. That’s more than a similar electric car from Tesla, which went 230 miles under the same conditions.
How Much Energy the Polestar 2 Uses
Energy Use for the Single-Motor Model
The Polestar 2 with one motor is very good at using energy wisely. According to the EPA, a group that checks how much energy cars use, this version gets 115 miles per gallon of electricity when you add city and highway driving. That means it’s even better in the city, getting 124 MPGe, but it uses a bit more energy on the highway, getting 106 MPGe.
Energy Use for the Dual-Motor Model
The version of the Polestar 2 with two motors doesn’t use energy as efficiently, but it’s still good. It gets 106 MPGe when you look at city and highway driving together. In the city, it can go 112 miles per gallon of electricity and reach 100 MPGe on the road.
Where to Find More Information
If you want to know more about how much energy the Polestar 2 uses and how far it can go, you can check the EPA’s website. They have much information about the efficiency and range of different cars, including electric ones like the Polestar 2.
Inside the Polestar 2: Comfort and Style
A Mix of Materials
The inside of the Polestar 2 looks very modern and stylish. It uses wood, cloth, and plastic to create a look that is simple but also looks very good. The colours are calm, and there aren’t too many buttons or controls, which makes everything look clean.
Design Influences
Some parts of the Polestar 2, like the buttons on the steering wheel and a unique knob to start the car, are similar to what you’d find in Volvo cars. But even with these familiar parts, the design inside the Polestar 2 feels less crowded and more straightforward.
Environmentally Friendly Options
Polestar has ensured that the inside of the car is kind to the planet. Most materials are vegan, meaning they don’t use animal products. But if someone wants to, they can choose leather instead.
Storing Things in the Car
The back of the Polestar 2 has a space where you can put your stuff, but it’s not very big—just 14 cubic feet. If you need more space, an extra storage area in the front of the car called the “frunk” gives you another cubic foot of room.
Keeping You Connected: Infotainment in the Polestar 2
Digital Displays and Controls
The Polestar 2 has a giant digital screen right in front of the driver that is 12.3 inches wide. There’s also a massive touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard that looks like a tablet, which is 11.2 inches big. This screen lets you control most of the car’s features and uses Google’s Android Automotive OS to run all its apps.
Easy to Use System
The main screen is split into four sections, each for a different type of app, like maps, phone calls, or music. This makes finding what you’re looking for easy without getting distracted while driving. One of the best things is that it uses Google Maps for navigation and can tell you where to find charging stations and how long you’ll need to charge.
Extra Features
The car has four USB ports, two in the front and two in the back, so that everyone can charge their devices. It has satellite radio and a sound system from Harman/Kardon for great music and audio.
Safety First: Polestar 2’s Protective Features
Driver Assistance for Peace of Mind
The Polestar 2 has many features to help keep you safe on the road. It can automatically brake if it sees a person in front of the car, keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the highway, and warn you if there’s a car in your blind spot that you might not see.
Checking Safety Ratings
For details on how safe the Polestar 2 is in crashes, you can look up its ratings on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Care for Your Polestar 2
Warranty Details
Polestar offers a standard warranty similar to other car makers like Tesla. This includes a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for most of the car and a longer eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the car’s electric parts.
Maintenance
Unlike Volvo, which gives its cars three years of free maintenance, Polestar doesn’t offer a complimentary scheduled maintenance program for the Polestar 2.
FAQs
What is the range of the 2024 Polestar 2?
The single-motor version offers up to 320 miles. In contrast, the dual-motor versions offer less, with the Performance Pack model providing around 247 miles.
How long does it take to charge the Polestar 2?
With a fast charger, the Polestar 2’s battery can be charged from dead to 80% in about 40 minutes.
Does the Polestar 2 offer a warranty?
Yes, it comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for its electrical components.
Is the Polestar 2’s interior made of leather?
The Polestar 2 primarily uses eco-friendly vegan materials, but leather options are available for those who prefer it.
Conclusion
The 2024 Polestar 2 stands out in the electric vehicle market with its impressive blend of performance, technology, and eco-friendly luxury. Despite its higher entry price and some practical limitations, it offers a compelling package for those looking for an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise power or interior quality.Â
With its range, charging speed, and advanced safety features, the Polestar 2 is a strong contender in the EV space, appealing to eco-conscious drivers and those who crave performance. However, potential buyers must weigh the importance of range versus performance, especially when considering the Performance Pack option. Overall, the Polestar 2 continues to build on its reputation as a desirable electric vehicle choice, especially for those prioritizing driving dynamics and technology integration.
