Polestar 4 Upcoming Electric Sedan from Volvo s Performance Brand

Polestar teases its upcoming electric SUV, the Polestar 3, set for release in 2022

Polestar offered a glimpse of its upcoming electric SUV, the Polestar 3, which will be the Volvo performance sub-brands first car manufactured in the United States.

The SUV, which is expected to roll out in 2022, will slot into the premium category, putting it in competition with EVs like the Tesla Model X, Audi E-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Rivian R1S, and Fisker Ocean. Notably, the Polestar will be assembled at Volvos factory in Charleston, South Carolina, giving it the distinction of being the companys first EV made on US soil.

We will build in America for Americans

We will build in America for Americans, says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

In addition to be being a higher-riding vehicle than the Polestar 2 fastback sedan, the Polestar 3 will also include a partially autonomous driving system for highway driving. That will be thanks to the inclusion of a lidar sensor from supplier Luminar, which is also providing components for hands-free highway driving to Volvo.

Volvo has said that it will roll out Highway Pilot as part of its next big platform update, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2), which will arrive with the next-generation XC90 SUV and Polestar 3 in 2022. SPA2 will also underpin the XC40 Recharge and theC40 Recharge.

Polestar, which started out as the performance sub-brand of Volvo, has emerged as one of the more interesting EV companies on the market in recent years. The company, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Volvos parent company, Geely, recently announced plans to go public by merging with a special acquisition company, or SPAC.

Polestar has only released two vehicles so far:the $155,000 hybrid coupe Polestar 1and theall-electric fastback sedan Polestar 2. That lineup will grow with the release of the Polestar 3 SUV in 2022, the Polestar 4 compact SUV in 2023, and the Polestar 5 (ne Precept) sports sedan in 2024.

We still dont have the relevant specs for the Polestar 3, including price, battery size, range, and motor configuration. For what its worth, the Polestar 2 sports a 78kWh battery pack, which enables 291 miles (470 kilometers) of range. The electric motor puts off 408 horsepower, allowing for a 060 time in under five seconds.

The vehicle was teased during a Manhattan event updating investors on Polestars three-year business plan.

Polestar Precept: close look at the sleek new electric sedan

Polestar has released a close look at the Precept, a new electric sedan that shows the Swedish automakers design direction.

Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, commented on the Precept project:

People ask me all the time, what is the future of Polestar? Of course we are not showing our future models just yet, but Precept shows you where we will be heading our design direction, our ambitions about sustainability and the great digital user experience we will bring with those future cars. Precept showcases our future, not as a fancy dream or something out of a sci-fi movie. This is our reality, to come.

Earlier this year, Polestar, Volvos performance brand was revived as an all-electric brand, had a small digital unveil of the Precept and was planning to unveil the car in more detail at the Geneva Motor Show.

Since the show has been canceled, the automaker decided to do a full online reveal and it dropped a ton of media content about the electric sedan today.

Here are all the details:

Polestar Precept

Sustainability

• Precept interior shows how high-tech, sustainable materials, when combined tastefully, can create a new luxury design language
• Vegan interior with high levels of recycled content, building on the vegan foundations presented by the Polestar 2
• Polestar works together with Bcomp, an interior supplier, to integrate a flax-based natural composite, which has been used extensively to replace many components that are traditionally made from virgin plastics
• Composite materials reduce interior component weight by 50% with an 80% reduction in plastic
• The proprietary powerRibs technology from Bcomp is inspired by leaf veins, delivering both rigidity and low weight
• Bcomps ampliTex composite material is strengthened by the powerRibs to create strong and rigid componentry, which can reduce vibrations by up to 250% and perform better during an impact
• The seat covers are 3D-knitted from 100% recycled PET bottles in a single thread made exactly to size with no waste or shavings
• Reclaimed plastic bottles are also used for the 100% recycled headlining textile
• The ECONYL carpets are woven from Nylon 6, a material recovered from fishing nets
• Waste and recycled cork from the wine industry is converted into a cork-based vinyl and used in seat bolsters and head rests

Digital Technology

• Evolution of the Android-powered infotainment system first found in Polestar 2
• Large 15-inch digital interface recognizes the driver upon approach, with settings and personal content authenticated by the Polestar Digital Key
• Google Assistant evolves with advanced speech technology in more languages with better local dialect interpretation and more personalized experiences
• Video streaming services will become available when parked or charging
• Proximity sensors adjust what is shown on the screen depending on where the users hand is placed display brightness and screen content adjusts according to movements and the need for more or less information depending on what the user is doing
• 9-inch horizontal driver display contains vital information and is linked to eye tracking
• The eye tracking monitors where the driver is looking and adjusts the way information is presented smaller and more detailed when the driver is focused on the display, and larger, brighter, with only vital information when the driver is focused on the road
• Google Maps and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) are now merged into one system for safer maneuvers and more accurate predictions based on traffic conditions, shown together in one combined graphic in the driver display

Design

• A distinct direction for Polestar design language characterized by restrained yet powerful surfacing and aerodynamic efficiency
• Polestar Design evolves to take sustainability and technology as sources of inspiration instead of looking back at historical automotive references
• Precept is a proof point of how avant-garde design and perfect proportions can create a new aesthetic for the electric age
• Front wing, integrated into the bonnet, improves air flow by reducing turbulence over the rest of the body important for increasing EV range
• Air ducts behind the front wheels allow air to exit the wheelhouses and contribute to a more laminar flow around the side of the car
• Air ducts in front of and behind the rear wheels contribute to brake cooling, as well as wheelhouse depressurization
• 22-inch performance wheels are forged and machined, and feature aerodynamic inserts
• Thors hammer front light signature now split along the horizontal edge, an evolution of the signature in a more robotic, Polestar style
• Welcome and farewell light sequences are inspired by astronomical events, starting in a burst of light from the center of the car which radiates outwards
• From breathing to seeing: SmartZone replaces the traditional front grille with elements required for Pilot Assist including long- and mid-range radar units, ultrasonic sensors and a high-definition wide-angle camera a natural placement for this technology in the digital age
• Additional SmartZones on either side of the car house additional driving assistance sensors
• Roof-mounted LIDAR pod positioned for superior visibility for future advanced driving technology
• Play between high-gloss and matte surfaces within one color or switching between materials; a distinct lack of chrome
• Sensor and lighting technologies, as well as high tech materials, are celebrated throughout via careful design execution. They serve as a new set of premium details that move away from using stereotypes such as chrome, leather and wood
• Graphics are minimalistic, in a Polestar execution technical descriptions and precise expressions
• LED side markers on the C-pillars indicate charging status
• Front splitter, side sills and rear valence in Bcomp natural composite echo interior panels
• Flush door handles, as well as flush integration of the glasshouse removing all air flow disturbances
• Slim waist and powerful hips; aerodynamic tapering of the cabin
• Doors open wide for easy access; rear doors are rear-hinged
• Long wheelbase accommodates high battery capacity and lots of interior space despite low roof line batteries are purposefully placed beneath the floor without intruding into the rear passenger footwells, much like Polestar 2
• Rear legroom is given high priority, akin to that of larger luxury tourers, and matched by expansive headroom and a panoramic view
• A precise, diamond cut crystal houses a holographic projection of the Polestar emblem, placed between the rear seat headrests as a symbol of the brands role as a guiding star in a new execution; an inscription on the crystal shows the precise astronomical position of the polar star
• Rear signature features precise and geometric lighting with a soft, sculptural body shape
• Absence of rear window allows for the traditional rear roof beam to be moved further rearwards for an extended, single-volume glass roof and better head room as well as a larger, deeper tailgate opening with a roof-mounted hinge
• Rear camera and side cameras feed digital interior mirrors
• Full-width tail lights with vertical air blades complete the aerodynamic design, allowing for cleaner air flow off the vehicle surface

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Polestar in Australia: Everything you need to know

Electric cars are on the rise and are allowing new brands to enter the automotive world. Brands like Tesla, Rivian and Lucid Air have all emerged in recent years to take advantage of this seismic shift in the way cars are built and what people will buy.

Established car companies arent missing this opportunity, though, creating spin-off and sub-brands to appeal to buyers looking for something new, fresh and original.

One of these brands is Polestar, which is part of the Geely automotive group that controls Volvo and Lotus. Polestar electric vehicles are set to become a common sight in the years to come, so heres a guide to where the brand has come from, where it is today and where its headed in the future.

Where did Polestar come from? Has it always been exclusively electric vehicles?

As unlikely as it may seem, Polestar originates in Swedish touring car racing. It was the name of the team that ran Volvos factory-backed team and eventually evolved to build limited edition performance road cars; the S60 Polestar was the brands first project available in Australia.

It was successful enough for it to evolve into Polestar Engineered, which made variants of several models in the range.

But under Geelys ownership it decided to turn Polestar into an electric-focused, performance-orientated brand, announcing the plan in 2017 and launching its first bespoke model - the Polestar 1 - in 2018. It was a plug-in hybrid performance coupe that made 447kW/1000Nm and harked back to the iconic Volvo P1880 with its looks.

We never got the Polestar 1 in Australia because it was built in left-hand drive only, but the brand launched locally with the Polestar 2 in late 2021.

Who owns Polestar?

Who owns Polestar electric cars is an interesting question to answer because the brand was part of Volvo, which in-turn became part of the Geely Group in 2010. But Geely took Polestar public in June 2022, trading on the Nasdaq.

The brand launched locally with the Polestar 2 in late 2021.

Who makes Polestar cars?

While its roots are Swedish, thanks to its Chinese ownership and US aspirations the brand has plans to build the Polestar 2 and other models in both China and the USA. Currently the Polestar 2 is manufactured at the Luqiao Planty in China, alongside the Volvo XC40 (with which it shares its underpinnings).

What is the current Polestar line-up?

Polestar Australia currently only offers a single model - the Polestar 2 - but has plans for rapid growth in the coming years.

The Polestar 2 range begins at $63,900 for the Standard Range, single-motor variant; steps up to $68,400 for the Long Range, single-motor model; and the line-up is topped by the Long Range, dual-motor variant for $73,400.

Polestar Australia currently only offers a single model - the Polestar 2.

The single motor variants offer 170kW/330Nm with the standard driving range of 470km and the long range bumping that figure to 540km. The dual motor boots performance to 300kW/660Nm and has a range of 480km.

The brand recently revealed the Polestar 3, a large SUV that shares its underpinnings with the upcoming Volvo EX90 and will compete against the likes of the Tesla Model X, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE. It will be on sale in Australia in the early months of 2023 and will be built in China and the USA.

Final specifications havent been revealed yet but reports indicate it will have 450kW with a single motor and 650kW with a dual-motor, with a new 800-volt electrical system capable of bi-directional charging and a range of over 600km.

Are all models available in Australia?

Yes, Polestar has confirmed that every model already announced will be available in Australia. The brand has made it clear that this is a key market in the Asia-Pacific region and will ensure all models will be available to local customers.

This includes the Polestar 6 LA Concept which is limited to just 500 examples around the world, but a small number are confirmed for Australia.

What has Polestar said publicly about their commitment to EVs?

Polestar hasnt just committed to building only electric cars but has openly called for a ban on internal combustion vehicles.

Speaking ahead of the Climate Week NYC and European Mobility Week in September 2022, Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said: With just 1.5 percent of the vehicles on the road being electric today, it is clear we are living in an EV bubble, not an EV boom.

Polestar has committed to building only electric cars. (Image: Tom White)

"This decade is the most critical we have ever faced when it comes to not overshooting the Paris agreement. We need governments to lead the charge with robust policies, both on infrastructure and addressing electricity prices so that drivers can confidently go electric, but more importantly, car makers must act now and not wait for policy changes.

Beyond that, Polestar has also publicly vowed to undertake life cycle assessments of all of its vehicles to ensure the company reduces its carbon footprint as much as possible. That will mean studying how to reduce emissions in sourcing the raw materials, the production process, distribution as well as the vehicles use and end of life.

The company has set itself the goal to build the worlds first truly carbon-neutral production car by 2030 under the Polestar 0 Project title.

What Polestar models are coming in the future?

The Polestar 4 is the brands next planned model. It will be a smaller performance SUV coupe that will be revealed in Europe in 2023 and should make Australian shores by 2024.

Following the Polestar 4, with a 2024 European reveal and likely 25 on-sale date in Australia, will be the Polestar 5.

The O2 concept was revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show.

It will be a four-door sports sedan based on the Precept concept, which was revealed in early 2020. This will be the Swedish-designed rival for the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S, making it clear where Polestar is aiming to compete.

The final confirmed model for the brands future will be the (you guessed it) Polestar 6. This will be a two-door sports car inspired by the O2 concept that was revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show.

While there are no confirmed specifications for either of the PS5 or PS6 yet, notably, there will be the first bespoke models for the brand; unlike the Polestar 2, 3 and 4 which all be based on shared platforms with Volvo.

What will change with the Polestar brand in the future?

In Australia there are still a lot of plans for the brand to roll-out as its model line-up expands, including the introduction of Polestar Spaces retail outlets.

Currently you can only buy a Polestar in Australia directly through Polestars website, but with the introduction of the Spaces there will be shops you can visit to see the cars and speak to a brand representative.

The first of these Polestar Spaces is confirmed to open in Melbournes Chadstone shopping centre sometime over the summer.

In Australia there are still a lot of plans for the brand to roll-out as its model line-up expands. (Image: Tom White)

Currently if you buy a car it is ordered online and then given to the customer at a Polestar Test Drive and Handover Hub, of which there are several bespoke outlets in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and shared spaces with Volvo in other states.

Taking a Polestar test drive in Australia is also handled online, with interested customers only needing to book in a time and visit the Hub to sample the car.

If you need to, there is Polestar finance available in Australia through the brands own financial services options.

As for infrastructure there are no specific Polestar charging stations in Australia, but the company has a range of recommended home charging units.