New Models
New Models

Polestar 2 to offer 560km range – report

Brand's operating chief gives early details of affordable EV ahead of 2019 launch


The upcoming Polestar 2 electric vehicle will offer over 560 kilometres of range and start around $53,500 in the UK – according to a new report.

Speaking with the UK's Autocar, Polestar's chief operating officer, Jonathan Goodman, confirmed the details at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, indicating the Swedish rival to the Tesla Model 3 will be no lightweight in terms of range and performance.

"That’ll represent the lower ‘bookend’ of our showroom range and, for now, it should give us as much access to the volume end of the EV market as we need," he said.

According to the report, the Polestar 2 will likely take a similar form to Volvo's Concept 40.2 revealed in 2016 (pictured), which previewed a higher-riding small sedan with an all-electric powertrain.

Goodman added he believes designing electric vehicles to look wild and futuristic is a "mistake", given the wide range of consumers they're chasing.

"The global electric car market was worth 4.0 million units in 2017, but it’s quite widely expected to be worth 29 million units by 2025," he said.

"EV owners will come from all walks of life. So it’s a mistake to assume that, because the cars are electric, you have to make them quirky or futuristic. Other brands may be doing that but, if we’re looking at a market worth 30mil cars within seven years, it isn’t going to be niche; it’s going to be mainstream."

"Electric cars will be just as appealing to young executives as they are to London retirees. It’s a new market, and purchase intentions will vary. So we’ve got to be a welcoming brand that’s not geeky, cliquey or judgmental," he added.

Before the Polestar 2 is launched next year, though, the electrified Volvo offshoot will release the 1 (above), a plug-in hybrid sports car boasting outputs of 441kW and 1000Nm from its 2.0-litre twin-charged petrol engine and dual electric motor setup.

Pricing for the 1 is expected to start around the €130,000 mark ($204,600) – though it'll only be made in left-hand drive, ruling out for Australia.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.

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