The 2020 Polestar 1: The Dawn of a New Electric Performance Brand
In an industry packed with electric powerhouses and technological marvels, Polestar - a spin-off from Volvo Car Group - has emerged as a new electric performance brand. The company recently announced plans for their first three models and a new production facility in China, alongside a customer-focused market strategy poised to reshape the landscape of performance vehicles.
The Birth of Polestar 1
Among these early innovations is the Polestar 1, the company's inaugural vehicle boasting an impressive 600hp. Poised to enter production in mid-2019, the Polestar 1 represents a synergy of economies of scale derived from Volvo Car Group. This strategic alignment allows Polestar to expedite design, development, and production processes, giving them a leg-up over other newcomers in the market.
The Vision of Polestar
CEO Thomas Ingenlath sees the Polestar 1 as the blueprint for the brand's future, a gorgeous Grand Tourer packed with cutting-edge technology and the harbinger of Polestar's vision as a standalone electric performance brand. Ingenlath confirmed that all future Polestar vehicles would feature a fully electric drivetrain, furthering the company's commitment to sustainable performance.
Inside the Polestar 1
The Polestar 1 is a two-door, 2+2 seat Grand Tourer Coupé with an 'Electric Performance Hybrid' drivetrain, blending the advantages of an electric car with the reliability of an internal combustion engine. Its hybrid design allows for a stunning 150km of pure electric range – the longest of any hybrid car on the market. With 600hp and 1000Nm of torque, the Polestar 1 confidently stakes its claim in the performance car segment.
Pioneering Technology and Performance
While the Polestar 1 shares its foundation with Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), roughly 50% of the vehicle is bespoke, crafted by Polestar’s engineering team. From its class-leading Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi) to its carbon fibre body that enhances torsional stiffness by 45%, every aspect of the Polestar 1 aims to deliver a dynamic and immersive driving experience. The Polestar 1 is also the world's first vehicle to be equipped with a double electric rear axle, enabling torque vectoring for precise acceleration and improved cornering grip.
Production and Ownership Revolution
Polestar's vision extends beyond the vehicle itself. Their state-of-the-art Polestar Production Centre, currently under construction in Chengdu, China, is set to be fully operational by mid-2018. In a departure from the traditional ownership model, Polestar is moving towards a subscription-based system. Customers will be able to order their cars 100% online and opt for a two or three-year subscription, inclusive of pick-up, delivery servicing, and the option to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range.
Customer Engagement and the Future of Polestar
Despite the online nature of their business model, Polestar acknowledges the importance of physical customer interaction. They plan to open a network of standalone Polestar Spaces globally, providing a venue for customers to engage with the brand and its products. While the Polestar 2, the brand's first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), is scheduled to begin production later in 2019, the Polestar 1 serves as the halo model, guiding the brand's vision for the future.
Final Thoughts
With the introduction of the Polestar 1, Polestar is poised to make a significant impact on the electric performance segment. Their unique combination of advanced technology, dynamic performance, and a revolutionary approach to car ownership could be a game-changer. While the road to success for new entrants in the automobile industry is typically long and fraught with challenges, the Polestar 1 might just have what it takes to go the distance.
-Ed
2020 Polestar 1
