Polestar is one of the new disruptors in the (electric vehicle) EV space. While owned by legacy automaker Volvo, it aims to combine high-tech features with a modern Swedish look. After the debut of Polestar’s first hybrid electric vehicle, the Polestar 1, Polestar introduced the fully-electric Polestar 2 in 2021. A serious contender in the EV space, rivaling the Tesla Model 3 , the Polestar 2 is a fun and comfortable ride with an elegant Swedish design. 

The Polestar 2 is a fully electric vehicle that offers multiple configurations and motor placements in a compact-lifted sedan. During its introduction for 2020, the Polestar 2 included a 78 kWh battery and came in either single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). According to the EPA, the single-motor 231 horsepower version offers up to 270 miles of range while drivers could reduce their range to 249 miles but gain an increased 408 horsepower in the dual-motor version. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a more efficient motor replaced the FWD model for 2024, with power and range increasing to 299 horsepower and 320 miles thanks to its larger 82 kWh battery. While the dual-motor version retains the 78 kWh battery, its addition of an asynchronous motor at the front increases efficiency, with a range of 276 miles.

 

Included in the Polestar 2 is the Android infotainment system, which comes loaded with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store. Add-ons for the Polestar 2 include the Pilot Pack, Plus Pack, or Performance Pack. The Pilot Pack includes driver assistance tech features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, and front/rear parking sensors.

 

The Polestar 2’s relatively fast onboard 11 kW charger means the car can be charged from empty to full in about 4 hours. To achieve that rapid charging speed, Polestar 2 electric car owners should install a 48 amp charging station such as the JuiceBox 48. Using the EV charger is much faster than a Level 1 charging cord, which requires 21 hours of charging time for a full charge via a 120-volt trickle charge.