Polestar, the electric performance car brand, have announced the Polestar 2 electric vehicle (EV) is being updated. The updates involve design details and specification updates for improved efficiency, along with new solutions connected to climate impact and transparency.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, said: “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.
“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.”
Polestar’s partnership with Circulor now includes blockchain traceability of mica, in addition to cobalt that is already traced in Polestar 2 batteries. The blockchain technology allows Polestar to trace risk minerals from material source to finished product.
The battery in the Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor sees improved cell chemistry that provides a higher capacity 69kWh and a higher motor output of 170kW. As a result, the range has also increased to 295 miles (474km) and allows faster charging which is now up to 130kW with a DC charger.
The aluminium tray that carries the battery casing for all versions will see a CO2e an impressive reduction of 750kg per car, thanks to the decision to only purchase aluminium for this component from smelters that use renewable energy. It’s great to see Polestar constantly striving to be more sustainable and transparent with their car production.
Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, said: “In our programme updates we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts.
“Product optimisation programmes are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar, combining these with CO2e reduction programmes as well. A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminium in the wheels with low-carbon aluminium that is produced using renewable energy.
“We expect this to result in a 600kg 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 1,350kg per car.”
The Polestar 2 electric crossover also sees several design updates and options including new colours, wheel size options and a removable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof. There’s also an improved optional Nappa leather upholstery with greater sustainability credentials available, as well as completely vegan upholstery options.
