2022 Polestar 2: More Appealing, Affordable & Repairable

Polestar Expands its Electric Vehicle Lineup

Last year marked the debut of Polestar's initial all-electric vehicle, which was initially offered in one specific configuration. This original model featured a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system and carried a price tag of approximately $50,000, prior to any applicable incentives.

Introducing a New, Accessible Option

Polestar is now broadening its offerings by introducing a more budget-friendly variant. This new version utilizes a single-motor, two-wheel-drive setup.

Despite the lower price point, the single-motor Polestar 2 retains a significant number of features found in the dual-motor model. Several modifications have also been implemented to enhance affordability, appeal, and environmental friendliness for drivers considering an electric vehicle.

Performance Evaluation

A recent test drive was conducted to thoroughly evaluate the capabilities and characteristics of this new Polestar 2 configuration.

The aim was to assess how the changes impact the overall driving experience and determine if it successfully delivers on its promise of a more accessible and sustainable electric vehicle option.

Single or Dual Motor Configurations

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The 2022 Polestar 2, in its single motor configuration, is estimated by Polestar to achieve a range of 270 miles. While offering slightly reduced performance and fewer standard features, it still incorporates substantial technology for an enhanced driving experience.

Unlike the dual motor variant which distributes power to all four wheels, the single motor version directs its 231 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque solely to the front wheels. A 78 kWh battery pack is integrated into the floor, positioned between the front and rear axles. Polestar specifies a usable capacity of 75 kWh for this battery, identical to that found in the dual motor Polestar 2.

Polestar actively improves vehicle performance through over-the-air updates, optimizing charging speeds and battery settings for increased efficiency. The 2022 Polestar 2 Single motor also benefits from an optional mechanical heat pump, included in the Plus Pack for an additional $4,000.

This heat pump is designed to preserve battery charge in challenging weather conditions. Polestar claims it can recover heat from the ambient air, potentially extending the vehicle’s range by up to 10%. Based on Polestar’s estimates, this translates to a potential range increase of 27 miles for the 2022 Polestar 2 Single motor.

The previously available Launch Edition, fully equipped, has been discontinued for this model year. The Polestar 2 Single motor now serves as the entry point, featuring a streamlined configuration with a metal roof – a departure from the Launch Edition’s glass roof.

Environmentally conscious upholstery and a selection of optional “packs” further customize the vehicle. The Plus Pack, priced at an additional cost, incorporates the heat pump, a glass panoramic roof, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and wireless phone charging, among other features. This pack was included on the Polestar 2 prototype I tested.

Alternatively, the Pilot Pack, available for $3,200 more, adds features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced LED exterior lighting. Unfortunately, the test vehicle I drove lacked the advanced ADAS system, preventing a full evaluation of Polestar’s Level 2 driver support capabilities.

Native Android OS and OTA Updates

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The Polestar 2 is notable as the first vehicle to incorporate Google’s Android Automotive operating system. Although Volvo has also implemented Android Automotive OS in select models, such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the entire Polestar lineup utilizes this platform.

Android Automotive OS is an open-source operating system built on Linux, functioning as the foundational operating system for in-vehicle infotainment systems, including those found in Polestar vehicles. Consequently, Google services like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store are directly integrated into the car’s system.

It’s important to distinguish Android OS from Android Auto. Android Auto serves as a secondary interface that projects a smartphone’s functions onto the vehicle’s center display, whereas Android Automotive OS is the car’s native operating system.

In the 2022 Polestar 2, drivers can control nearly all vehicle functions through voice commands, activated by the simple phrase “Hey Google.” This allows for hands-free control of features like climate settings and navigation. Given the widespread familiarity with Google’s services, the system feels remarkably intuitive.

For example, a voice command indicating discomfort from heat will prompt the Google OS to lower the temperature specifically in the footwell area. Locating points of interest, such as a highly-rated taco restaurant in Santa Barbara, is equally straightforward – simply ask Google to search and provide directions.

I found myself rarely needing to interact with the touchscreen, as most tasks could be accomplished through voice commands. Google’s ongoing advancements in natural language recognition consistently deliver a seamless user experience.

The system demonstrated an impressive ability to interpret even slightly awkward or incomplete requests, such as adding a spontaneous stop at a beach for photography. It accurately deciphered my intent and executed the desired action without hesitation.

Within the Polestar 2 Single motor I tested, charging station locations were integrated into the Android OS’s Google Maps platform. However, this integration isn’t without limitations.

While Google Maps can locate charging stations along a route and filter them by brand, it doesn’t currently provide real-time information regarding charger availability or operational status. Polestar has established a partnership with ChargePoint to address this.

Users can access the ChargePoint App, pre-installed on the center screen, for detailed information about specific chargers. Planning a charging stop still requires some on-screen interaction, potentially necessitating a brief stop before proceeding to the nearest charging location. During my 200-mile trip from Hollywood to Santa Barbara, a recharge wasn’t required.

Polestar states that, utilizing DC fast chargers, an 80% charge can be achieved in approximately 30 minutes. This represents an improvement over the previous 40-minute charge time, as noted by Glenn Parker, a Polestar technical operations specialist.

Parker also emphasized that continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates will further enhance the efficiency and range of Polestar vehicles as these updates are deployed to all owners. These updates are a key component of the vehicle’s ongoing development.

Despite the current limitations in charger availability information, the deep integration of Google Maps within the Polestar 2’s technology provides a dynamic display of estimated range during navigation. Throughout my day trip, the actual range upon arrival consistently exceeded the system’s initial projections.

This was particularly reassuring during my return to Los Angeles, where a 45-minute delay in Westside traffic caused the range to drop to around 20%, yet the vehicle still successfully completed the journey.

Experiencing the Polestar 2

Separate drive of 2022 Polestar 2 Dual motor. Video Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The Polestar 2 Single motor delivers a remarkably quiet, comfortable, and swift driving experience. Polestar states a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of seven seconds. While this figure may not appear exceptional, it provides ample power for confident highway merging, aided by the readily accessible low-end torque.

During my evaluation of the prototype, adjustments were possible for several driving characteristics. These included steering feel and the intensity of one-pedal braking. Furthermore, driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, could be enabled or disabled.

Regrettably, the test vehicle lacked the advanced driver aids available within Polestar’s Pilot pack, preventing a full assessment of those features.

Understanding Braking Mode

A significant benefit of electric vehicles is the availability of B Mode, or one-pedal driving. This feature allows drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking applied when releasing the accelerator pedal.

The Polestar 2 allows for complete stops through regeneration, or the activation of a “Creep” mode via the infotainment system. “Creep” enables slow movement without accelerator input. I typically prefer the most aggressive braking setting in most electric vehicles, maximizing efficiency and enjoyment in city traffic.

The highest regeneration setting in the Polestar 2 may initially feel strong, but quickly becomes intuitive with practice. I opted to disable the “Creep” function, as it felt counterintuitive when combined with the regenerative braking system.

Steering Feel Customization

I dedicated approximately 90% of my driving time utilizing the most assertive steering setting, designated “Firm.” This system modifies the steering ratio based on the selected setting.

“Firm” provides the most direct steering response. Conversely, the softer settings impart a slightly less stable and slower-reacting feel to the Polestar 2.

Sustainable Practices: Repair, Refurbishment, and Recycling at Polestar

Polestar demonstrates a strong dedication to environmentally conscious manufacturing processes and material sourcing. The company is actively addressing the complete lifespan of the batteries utilized in its electric vehicles. Efforts include tracking the origin of materials, with a focus on sustainability.

Parker notes that Polestar currently employs blockchain technology to monitor the sourcing of cobalt, a key component in their battery production. Further investigation is underway to extend this tracking system to encompass all elements used in vehicle construction.

Battery Lifecycle Management

Polestar’s planning extends beyond initial production, encompassing a thorough consideration of the battery and vehicle owner experience. This holistic approach aims to minimize environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle.

The battery packs within the Polestar 2 Single motor are designed for modularity, allowing for the individual replacement of failing components. When a part malfunctions, Polestar retrieves the material to facilitate a closed-loop recycling process.

“We are investigating the possibilities of remanufacturing and repurposing these returned components,” Parker explained. Furthermore, Polestar provides owners with comprehensive repair instructions and direct access to a parts catalog for self-service maintenance.

Pricing and Incentives

The Polestar 2 Single motor is priced starting at $45,900, with deliveries beginning in January 2022, excluding destination charges and applicable taxes.

Potential buyers may be eligible for significant savings through available incentives. The $7,500 federal tax credit, combined with state-level incentives, could reduce the final cost to approximately $35,000, excluding taxes and destination fees.