Polestar 2 updated with fresh wheels, colours; prices increase up to $4000

The Polestar 2 has been updated for 2022 with new wheels, some fresh interior finishes and new colours – but prices have increased by between $3500 and $4000.

The body, electric motors and battery pack are unchanged, although Polestar has improved the production processes to reduce the environmental impact of a brand with an intense environmental focus.

That includes sourcing the aluminium for the battery housing from smelters using renewable energy, in turn reducing the CO2 impact.

“We have revisited materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce the climate impact and increase material traceability of this award-winning car,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”

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The Polestar 2 is also still available as three models: entry-level Standard Range Single Motor, mid-level Long Range Single Motor and high-performance Long Range Dual Motor.

The black paint has changed subtly and Magnesium (silver) is now the standard colour, while optional leather is sourced from a new supplier with more of a focus on sustainability.

But the biggest change to the EV newcomer is to its price, which has increased by $4000 on the entry-level model to make it $63,900 before on-road costs (when the Polestar 2 launched it started at $59,900 before costs).

That again makes it the same price as its prime rival, the Tesla Model 3, which has undergone two price increases in 2022 to make the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive $63,900 before on-roads.

It is also the only Polestar 2 model eligible for $3000 rebates in various states around Australia.

The Single Motor gets one electric motor driving the front wheels and making 170kW and 330Nm. Its 69kWh battery (of which 61kWh is usable) is claimed to get up to 470km of range using the WLTP measurement.

The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor – which gets a larger 75kWh battery pack, in turn increasing the claimed driving range to 540km – has increased by $3500 to $68,400 before on-road costs. It gets the same motor for identical performance.

The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor – which gets an additional electric motor for the rear wheels, in turn creating all-wheel drive – is also $3500 more at $73,400.

As before, the P2 Dual Motor makes 300kW and 660Nm and has a claimed 480km WLTP range using the larger battery pack.

All models come standard on 19-inch wheels, which have been redesigned. The optional 20-inch wheels also have a new look.

All Polestar 2s continue to get free servicing for the first five years or 100,000km.

There’s still the choice of three option packs, depending on which model you’ve chosen.

The $3400 Pilot Lite brings blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, front LED fog lights and adaptive cruise control, among other safety assist features.

The $6000 Plus Pack adds a Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, electric front seats and various upgraded finishes. The sunroof will also be available with a removeable sunshade for the first time.

The $8000 Performance Pack is reserved for the Polestar 2 Dual Motor and brings 20-inch forged alloy wheels, yellow seatbelts, bigger Brembo brakes and adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers.

As with many EVs, the challenge with the Polestar 2 is getting hold of one.

Polestar only opened for sales in February and reported 115 deliveries in March through Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

The company is now quoting delivery for those who order today in November, suggesting there are hundreds – possibly thousands – already queuing to own one.

In line with the company’s move to reduce the environmental impact of its cars, Polestar is planning to further reduce CO2 emissions during production later this year by sourcing aluminium for the wheels from smelters using renewable energy.

“A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminium in the wheels with low-carbon aluminium that is produced using renewable energy,” said Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability. “We expect this to result in a 600 kg CO2e reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminium in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 1350 kg per car.”