Polestar is a relatively new automotive manufacturer originating from Volvo and Geely. Established just four years ago, the company currently offers two vehicle models, with additional releases planned. Similar to many new businesses, Polestar is navigating initial challenges, including scrutiny from regulatory bodies and the need for early product recalls.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published its assessment of the Polestar 2’s electric driving range, confirming its capability to travel 233 miles on a single charge. This figure represents approximately a 90-mile difference compared to the range offered by the competing Tesla Model 3. You can find our initial assessment of the vehicle here.

Polestar’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ingenlath, participated in a discussion at TechCrunch Sessions: Mobility following the EPA’s range announcement. He emphasized that Polestar’s data indicates drivers typically experience range performance that surpasses the EPA’s estimates.

“We have a clear understanding of the vehicle’s performance in actual driving conditions,” Ingenlath stated. “While the difference between our figures and the EPA’s may appear substantial, it is less pronounced in everyday use. We believe the range is entirely adequate for typical electric vehicle needs. This is just one configuration of the Polestar 2, and we intend to introduce additional versions with improved EPA range ratings. We are confident that the current range is competitive with other electric vehicles and suitable for year-round use.”

Ingenlath acknowledges that Polestar’s range does not currently match that of Tesla, but he advocates for direct, real-world comparisons. He suggests that the apparent disparity on paper is less significant in practical driving scenarios, and a version with extended range is in development.

“In 2021, we plan to launch a single-motor variant,” Ingenlath explained. “This will naturally deliver a greater range utilizing the same battery technology. Furthermore, we anticipate ongoing software enhancements that will increase efficiency without requiring changes to the battery’s kilowatt-hour capacity.

“We are continually evolving,” he added. “This represents our starting point, and we expect continuous improvement in the months ahead.”

Ingenlath also addressed the recent comprehensive recall of Polestar 2 vehicles due to instances of unexpected shutdowns during operation. “These occurrences were extremely rare,” he clarified, noting that only 2,200 Polestar 2s are currently on the road, and none of the reported incidents took place within the United States. Importantly, no accidents were associated with this issue.

The problem is being resolved through a software update.

“We have much to learn and areas where we must improve as a company,” Ingenlath said. “We are a new entrant to the market, and it’s unrealistic to expect a flawless launch. We are committed to progress, and we appreciate our customers’ understanding as we navigate these challenges. The automotive industry generally prioritizes early recalls to proactively address potential safety concerns.”

He expressed that the recall itself is not a major concern, and his current focus is on ensuring exceptional customer service throughout the recall process for Polestar 2 owners.

Full Panel — Available Only to Extra Crunch Members