The phone itself is manufactured by Meizu, which is also owned by Geely.

EV maker, Polestar, has unveiled its very own smartphone.

The 'Polestar Phone' as it is called, carries forward the same minimalistic design approach as the brand's electric vehicles. It features a clean back with the Polestar logo at the centre and the 'Polestar Phone' tag on the lower part.

The smartphone itself runs on Android OS and, as per reports, is said to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen chip with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage space. The phone also features a 50 MP, 13 MP and 10 MP camera at the back, while the front camera is said to use a 32 MP lens. The Polestar Phone looks premium and features a small 2 mm bezel all around - similar to most premium smartphones in the market.

The smartphone should allow users to seamlessly integrate with the brand's EVs via Android Auto.

The phone itself is manufactured by Meizu, which is owned by Geely - which also happens to be the parent company of Polestar.

The Polestar Phone will initially be offered only in China, with no official confirmation on whether it will be introduced in any other market. Prices for the smartphone are yet to be announced.

Source: AutoEvolution

Polestar will continue receiving funding and operational support from Geely.

According to media reports, Volvo has announced plans to sell 62.7% of its stake in Polestar. If the proposed plan goes ahead, Volvo's total stake in the EV maker will reduce to 18%, while its parent company, Geely, will own a majority stake of 78.7%.

In addition to selling off its stake, Volvo also announced that it would cut off its funding to Polestar, citing that the "company is well-positioned for growth."

Jim Rowan, CEO, Volvo Cars, stated, "As we embark on the next stage of our transformation, gearing up to lead in next-gen mobility, our focus sharpens on Volvo Cars’ development."

Polestar, however, will continue receiving funding and operational support from Geely. Rowan stated, "Volvo Cars will not provide further funding to Polestar." He further added, "With Polestar’s strengthened business plan, the launch of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, and Geely’s commitment and support, the company is well positioned for growth."

Source: Electrek

The smartphone will run on Meizu's operating system in China, but will switch to Google OS in Europe & US markets.

Polestar is developing its own smartphone, designed to seamlessly integrate with its EV offerings. The Swedish EV brand is owned by Geely, which also owns the Chinese smartphone brand Xingji Meizu.

The new phone from Polestar is said to be offered to customers as a smart device designed from the ground up to integrate with their vehicles. The smartphone will be a "premium" device, matching Polestar's car portfolio and will also be a step up for Xingji Meizu - largely considered a mid-tier phone brand in China.

The new smartphone is expected to be launched alongside the brand's upcoming Polestar 4 EV, which is scheduled to go on sale by the end of this year. The smartphone from Polestar won't be unique as its Chinese rival NIO is also planning to launch a self-developed smartphone sometime soon.

Talking about the smartphone, Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, stated, "Where you have an opportunity to link these two worlds, without any border, then you can really have a seamless transition." Ingenlath also confirmed that the smartphone will run on Meizu's operating system in China, but will switch to Google OS in Europe & US markets.

Source: CNBC

New customers waiting for their Polestar 2 can also add the upgrade via a $5,500 Performance package

Polestar has become the latest car brand to offer a power upgrade for an additional charge.

According to media reports, owners of the dual-motor Polestar 2 will now get the option to "download" an additional 68 BHP and 20 Nm on their EVs. The power upgrade will be done via an over-the-air update for a price of US$ 1,195. However, reports suggest that this is a permanent upgrade with a one-time charge and not an annual subscription.

With the upgrade, the dual-motor Polestar 2's power output increases from 408 BHP / 660 Nm to 476 BHP / 680 Nm. This also helps the EV's 0 - 98 km/h (0 - 60 mph) time drop to 4.2 seconds. Polestar also states that the power upgrade will not impact the EV's driving range.

Owners opting for the upgrade can easily enter their car's VIN number on the company website, pay the additional amount and let the download begin. Apart from the increased power output, the upgrade is also said to include a new set of door stickers with the updated power information, as well as a launch control function.

New customers waiting for their Polestar 2 can also add the upgrade via a $5,500 Performance package, which includes Ohlins adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes and 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

Source: Motortrend

The idea of luxury defined by "what's under the hood", has been replaced by the prioritization of connectivity and integration of digital ecosystems.

Polestar recently commissioned a new survey, which revealed that 55 per cent of EV owners in the USA bought their vehicles for reasons other than environmental benefits. The survey found that majority of the EV buyers in the USA named in-vehicle technology, connectivity & infotainment system offerings as the main reason for switching from IC-engine vehicles to electric.

Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America stated that the idea of luxury defined by "what's under the hood", has been replaced by the prioritization of connectivity and integration of digital ecosystems.

Although environmental reasons weren't the most important factor when buying EVs, the survey found that younger drivers were more concerned about appearing to be environmentally conscious, as opposed to older buyers who were less worried about it. 12% of young drivers (aged 18 - 24) stated that appearing to be environmentally conscious was a big factor when choosing an electric car over an ICE vehicle. This is twice as much as Millenials (ages 25 - 41) and three times more than older buyers aged between 57 & 74.

Age also played a role in determining the trustworthiness of a brand. Up to 57% of buyers aged between 25 & 40 are confident in new electric car brands, compared to only 28% of older buyers (aged 57 - 74). Overall, 47% of all respondents in the survey were open to new brands and start-ups when buying an electric car.

The survey conducted by Polestar was commissioned by a third-party company which polled over 5000 EV and ICE-vehicle owners across all 50 US states.

Tesla has an advantage when it comes to the software, charging ecosystem & mind-bending performance.

BHPian sandeepmohan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had the opportunity to drive a Polestar 2 for a couple of hours and for a distance not exceeding 100km. These are some observations from the drive.

The car is the base variant of a Polestar 2. Brand spanking new. Had less than 300km on the odometer. The car provider was Mevo which is a self-drive vehicle provider. They have a few gas cars on their fleet. The Polestar 2 is their first electric option. This Polestar 2 is the base variant with a 69kWh battery, single-motor front-wheel drive and a claimed WLTP range of 470km. 231Hp and 330nm of torque.

From the looks department, they've played it conservatively. Nothing WOW here. The proportions are nice and the design is elegant. It's classified as a sedan though it sits higher than one. When viewed from the IRVM of another vehicle, you can mistake it for an SUV due to the high stance. The car has a fairly wide footprint when you look at it. Ingress and egress are easy. I'd say the rear of this car stands out more than the front. The long red light bar on the boot is real class. Those outside frameless mirrors look beautiful. The boot lid opens like a liftback. Heaps of space and depth to take on luggage for four with ease and still have space left for a few soft bags. The windshield wiper arms integrate nozzles for the washer. When you hit the windscreen washer, you see a trail of water as the wiper arm moves across the windscreen. Paint quality is top-notch.

The conservative approach continues on the inside. Materials are different. Nothing premium to touch or feel. It's a black and grey interior and looks built to last. Folks expecting the German class of interiors are not going to find this vehicle all that appealing in terms of interior appointments. You'll find materials in a Volvo superior to a Polestar 2. I don't think the intention was ever to be flagship-grade in this vehicle. Perhaps the higher trim sorts this out to some degree. Even the seats are not your typical Volvo. It appears as though they copied the design (Volvo seats are known for their excellent comfort and support) and stripped a lot of padding in the process. Under thigh support for the driver's seat is okay. I wish the seat base was a bit longer. Drivers >6ft will notice the lack of under-thigh support, especially on long drives. Heated front seats are standard. Rear seat space is okay. As with most cars these days, more a 4 seater than a 5.

I'll get two minor negative bits out of the way first. Could be a deal-breaker for some.

• I could not find the full electric seat operation for the driver's seat. The seatback recline was by the old school rotary knob. There were buttons for memory seats so my guess is, there is a way to adjust the seatback electrically. I could not find it.
• I could not figure out how to get auto wipers to work. I did not find an Auto position similar to what was there on the Lights stalk. I had to manual wipe or set it to intermittent mode.

Driving Impressions

All you got to do is jump in, engage D and move. There is no Start-Stop button. Your drive or gear selector is all there is. When you want to park up, you engage P, hit the electric Parking brake and step out.

This was the first time I was behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. Before I meddle with anything, I thought, let me drive it in whatever mode it is and see what it feels like, as that is how most folks will drive. Took a moment to understand what this car will do. There was no movement after I engaged D so I decided to feather the gas pedal and we were off.

It's eerily quiet on the inside. It was apparent from the get-go that one-pedal driving was set to a high level. I got used to it in a short while. A sense of calm is what you notice first. The lack of any drive train noise or vibrations is to be experienced. I don't believe any gas engine can beat an electric one for this.

Stop and go acceleration is where this Polestar excels. It is fast off the mark. You will be first off the line at any traffic light. It is fun. Floor it and you've built up a gap of over a car length with the car that was beside you. I used Adaptive Cruise even within the City, setting a speed of 50kmph. The car accelerated and stopped all by itself. All I did was steer the car.

The software is intuitive. Hit one button on the steering wheel which triggers adaptive cruise with the option of Pilot Assist. Pilot Assist keeps the car within the lane and makes minor steering adjustments. I stuck to the former.

On narrow roads with a lot of blind bends, the car tends to slow down a lot more than one would like, especially if there are parked vehicles on the side. I guess it's being cautious or the system can't see or detect too far ahead when there are obstructions. It is best to take over driving controls in such situations. I may never give into 100% autonomous driving but something like the adaptive cruise is useful in the city cycle too. Makes driving effortless.

Out on the open road, that sense of calm continues. You can play your stereo at lower levels and still hear everything. It's these little things that stand out on an electric vehicle. There is some tire noise that creeps in at motorway speeds. I've been in some Lexus vehicles as a passenger where road noise filters were better.

The suspension is taut. I guess with an EV, they need to be. The car rides flat. I won't comment on handling as I never pushed the car into a bend. The 2-ton weight is evident. I don't think this is a car you will want to hustle around, even if you have the power to do it.

Braking feels almost natural, like a gas car. With brake regeneration at a high level, you can control this car with limited use of the brakes. Steering feel is good and is light to use. Acceleration at motorway speed is okay. You're not going to snap your neck muscles with 230hp. You'll get ahead of the vehicle in front without the rush.

It's a bit ironic as Polestar is (or was) supposed to be the performance wing of Volvo. That isn't applied to this car, or, perhaps the higher horsepower version can be true to what a Polestar was meant to stand. I don't think any of this matters though.

I did not explore the Technology side too much. It's a connected car like Tesla. Google comes built-in. There is no need to connect your phone if you want to use Google Maps or Spotify. I guess this is where the main difference is when you compare Tesla to any other Electric car. You're buying into an Ecosystem on a Tesla whereas the likes of Polestar and everyone else piggyback on Google, etc. If you are using Google Maps, the entire map can be mirrored on the instrument console. Other vital information about the car is kept to the corners of the screen. I'll hold back comments for the Stereo as the source was radio. There is supposed to be some Air Woofer technology placed below the windscreen.

I believe a car like this can take out the stress levels of a daily drive because it is quiet. Once you've experienced an electric vehicle, there is no looking back. Range was the least of my problems. I started off with 35% charge & paid the least amount of attention to the way I used the accelerator. The battery level dipped to 17% and I had a 100km range left when I parked. I doubt if you need any more range than this.

Polestar claims a charge time of 7 hours at a Standard AC, 3 Phase, 16 amp outlet. I understand these are manufacturer claimed rates. Even if you managed just 4 to 5 hours on the socket every 4 to 5 days, you'll have plenty of range to keep you going.

Pricing is good for the Polestar 2. In New Zealand, the car retails for $70,000 (NZD). A little less money than a Tesla Model 3. The other prime competitors are the Lexus UX300E, Mazda's MX-30, Peugeot's E-2008 and Hyundai's excellent IONIQ 5. The Lexus and Hyundai sell for $10,000 more! Compared to gas cars, it's cheaper than a new 320i by $10,000. For someone shopping for a new vehicle at this price point, there isn't much going for a gas car anymore.

There are currently 22 Battery EV (or BEV) vehicle models on sale in New Zealand. Another 43 are being added over the next two quarters. A sure sign of where the world is headed.

Overall, I enjoyed driving a Polestar 2. If I were in the market for an electric vehicle, this Polestar 2 will be one to consider, highly. I like the looks, it feels solid, is screwed together well and drives nice. This car can be your "do it all". You don't need a gas car in the garage, even for those long road trips.

The only real competition for the Polestar 2 comes from Tesla. Personally; I like the looks of the Polestar 2 over a Tesla. The latter needs a design refresh. The advantage Tesla has over a Polestar is when it comes to Software, their Charging ecosystem and mind-bending performance. This is where it gets to being a hard sell for a Polestar 2. Personally, I like a vehicle where I can jump in and drive (You can do this in a Tesla too). The fancy software bits are of little use to me. This is why I find more appeal towards a Polestar 2. The transition feels natural.

A sedan that sits on SUV sized 19" rims.

An interior that makes you feel right at home. Clocks are placed in front of the driver and all the Technology bits are focused on the center screen. The center console extends as an armrest too. Central aircon vents don't move all that much. I guess they can't cause they are already angled towards the roof.

The size of the boot is not very clear here. It can take a lot of luggage. Like a couple of other operational bits I could not figure out, I couldn't get the boot to open with the usual one-foot salsa move. The feature is present.

Room at the back is okay. You sit high up which is a good thing. Don't know why an electric vehicle needs a center transmission tunnel. It's got something in there as it's huge.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I will soon be test driving the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E & Hyundai Ioniq 5.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'm in the market for a 2nd car and thinking strongly to get an EV. Since I don't need it right off the bat, I decided to enjoy myself by driving everything that is out there in the market to get a feel before taking the plunge.

My benchmark in EV is the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y Performance. If any of the new entrants can meet the same thrill and excitement of Tesla then I can pull the trigger.

First, I decided to look at this new baby on the market- Polestar 2

I scheduled a TD with them last Friday.

My Test drive of the Polestar 2 (Dual Motor and Performance Pack) went off as scheduled on Friday late afternoon.

Rick, my test driver came on time to my home. Before we started, he spent 10 minutes explaining the features of the car and post which we went for a 30-minutes drive. I actually convinced him to push it to 45-minutes.

The time for TD was not correct as Friday afternoons there is always heavy traffic and freeways were backed up so we got off it and took some back-routes so I can get a good feel of the car.

Some Basic Feedback

Interiors

Interiors are nice with soft-touch material all over the place but, definitely not very premium as I was expecting it to be. Not a fan of the wood trim as it feels like sitting in a home rather than a car.

I like carbon fibre, leather type of finishes for interiors which according to me suits more inside a car.

The car is roomy in front (Didn’t check the backseat) and comes with golden seatbelts.

Exteriors

The polestar looks lovely from the exterior and this blue shade is beautiful. It looks dark grey rather than blue from many angles. The gold Brembo brake calipers are the only gaudy look and must say a nice touch to an otherwise clean and sharp looking body line exteriors. Body shape is like a hatchback on stilts.

Driving Impressions

Like all EVs these days, you have an option to use a one-peddle option wherein the car comes to a full standstill when you let your foot off the gas (err, the accelerator pedal). This car drops speeds really fast with this option. Pretty good!

Polestar 2 has a silent cabin and feels solidly built and feels slightly on the heavier side. Since I drove the car for over 40 miles on freeways and back-roads, I got a decent impression of its handling which is somewhere between soft and crisp.

Steering feel is weighted and feels good to hold and feedback is decent.

This is definitely not an enthusiastic person’s choice of handling which was a little disappointing as this brand was created to make performance cars and somewhere they lost track of their vision and now make EV cars.

Power figures of 408 HP sound impressive on paper but, when you step on the accelerator it moves quickly enough but, there is no “WOW” factor like you get from a Tesla Model 3 or Y Performance. This is a bummer as my only criteria for choosing a car are power and handling and both of these criteria were pretty average.

Incidentally, I had some work and took my Bimmer partially on the same route immediately after this test drive. Oh My God, the power and handling are at a different level. Just no comparison and this is comparing a gasoline engine with an EV battery. Imagine.

Polestar 2 is struck off the list. On to the next few test drives of IONIQ 5, EV 6 and Mach-E in near future. Any other recommendations from BHPians?

Looks like a fun summer ahead.

I had some fun with Rick. Accelerated on and off with a strong jab to the pedal and he got panicked- Woah, Woah- Slow Down. Video.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

If the Polestar O2 makes it into production, it will rival the upcoming Tesla Roadster.

Polestar has unveiled its all-new roadster concept, called the O2. The new Polestar O2 comes in the form of a 2-door sports car with a retractable hardtop and a 2+2 seating configuration.

The Polestar O2 borrows design cues from the brand's 2020 Precept concept, which also previews the Polestar 5 EV set to debut in 2024.

The O2 roadster concept will use an adapted version of the aluminium architecture, which will underpin the Polestar 5. The roadster concept is substantially shorter than the Polestar 5 and also features a 400 mm shorter wheelbase. Polestar has removed the 'foot garage' on its skateboard chassis floor on the O2, which is said to help offer huge rigidity and also improve handling and dynamics.

As with any Polestar EVs, the concept has been designed and developed with a lot of sustainable and recyclable materials. It also comes packed with features, including a set of large 22-inch wheels. Polestar also states that the O2 features aerodynamically sculpted body panels, improving airflow and maximising its range.

The Polestar O2 is said to be a performance-oriented roadster. However, the company is yet to reveal any of the powertrain details of the EV concept. There is also no news yet, whether or not the O2 will make its way into production anytime soon.

It came with the Performance Pack, allowing it to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in under 5 seconds.

BHPian kiku007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I test drove the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack and here's what I have to say about it.

What's cool?

• Effortless and comfortable Point-A to Point-B transportation in an EV that is not a Tesla Model 3. There are so many Model 3s around and the novelty has long gone.
• Looks unique but not in a weird way.
• The spec sheet looks great from the range and power perspective. If one is after a sub 5 second 0-100 km/h number to brag about then, sure yeah it will do.
• The ride was comfortable with the Öhlins Dual Flow Valves shock absorbers and 20-inch wheels.
• Perceivable Volvo-like build quality. Only time will prove it though.
• The frameless ORVMs look cool!

What's not cool?

• Even with the A$8000 Performance pack included the handling didn't blow me off. It is ok for a heavy and tall sedan.
• Polestar doesn't have a Sales/Service Centre in my city as yet and they don't know when we'll have one. I suppose they'll use the Volvo facility for service support.
• The non-Volvo parts:

1. Basic safety technology like BLIS and Cross-traffic alert is not offered as standard equipment. It is a Volvo for god sake.
2. Form over function: Rearward visibility for the driver is almost nil. This is quite frankly dangerous if the car isn't equipped with the "Pilot" package that offers assisted safety technology.
3. Change for the sake of it: The car turns ON/OFF by detecting the key and the driver being in the driver's seat. The downside is that the car just turns off when the driver walks out. If the driver steps out briefly then, passengers sitting inside will lose the aircon or even the ability to lower/raise the windows. They have to push the media button to make the accessories work.
4. The recycled interior materials are not good to touch and feel.

• Pricey: The "Pilot", "Plus" packages and leather add A$17000 to the bill and it'll cross the $100K mark with the addition of the Performance Pack. High price to pay for exclusivity I guess.

It is interesting how perspectives and expectations change. I was blown off by the Tesla Model S in 2018 with its technology and straight-line performance. I was disappointed with the Model 3 due to its quality issues and the lack of basic features (BLIS and a driver instrument console). It is 2022 and the Polestar 2 didn't really excite me. I hope Ford brings the Mustang Mach E to Australia. We need more competition in the EV space.

The add-on packs:

The panoramic sunroof was a pain on a hot day. The car was heating up and the sun rays were just making it uncomfortable to drive.

360 camera was of below-average quality:

Poor rearward visibility:

That's how much the rear windows will lower:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

In 2017, Polestar became a separate company within the Volvo group focusing on performance electric cars. The company started with a petrol-electric hybrid model called as Polestar 1 and has now revealed more details of its new car - the Polestar 2.

The Polestar 2 will be the first battery electric vehicle from the Volvo Group and is expected to have an approximate range of 483 km on a full charge. The company has released only one teaser image that reveals a fastback design with an LED strip running between the tail lamp clusters and the charging socket on the left rear panel. The Polestar 2 will come with 4 doors.

While the exact specifications are not known, the Polestar 2's power output is reported to be around 395 BHP. The car is expected to be equipped with the Google's new Android HMI. It will also come with a new in-car version of Google Assistant.

Volvo claims that the Polestar will compete with the Tesla Model 3 sedan, which comes with a range of 350-500 km. It is powered by single or dual motors and the fastest of the Model 3 variants is claimed to be capable of a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds.

The Polestar 2 is expected to be launched in the second half of 2019 with production slated to begin in 2020.

Source: Electrek