The electric vehicle market is heating up, with Polestar launching a new high powered hybrid electric vehicle series to take on heavy-hitter Tesla.
Polestar confirmed plans for its first three models, while also unveiling extensive details for its first car – the 600hp Polestar 1 – which is set to roll off the production line in mid-2019.
The Polestar 1 is a ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain that has a range of 150km of pure electric power – the longest full electric range of any hybrid car on the market. Its output of 600hp and 1000Nm of torque places the car firmly in the performance car segment.
“Polestar 1 is the first car to carry the Polestar on the bonnet. A beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it – a great start for our new Polestar brand,” Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar said.
“All future cars from Polestar will feature a fully electric drivetrain, delivering on our brand vision of being the new standalone electric performance brand.”
The company is promising a new purpose-built production facility in China and a customer-focused route to market that it hopes will set a new industry benchmark for performance vehicles. That facility is expected to be completed by midway through 2018.
Perhaps more exciting for consumers is the different way in which the manufacturer will focus its ownership model. Instead of outright ownership, Polestar will be utilising an online-only subscription model.
“Cars will be ordered 100% online and offered on a two or three year subscription basis. The zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription will also add features such as pick-up and delivery servicing and the ability to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range, all incorporated into one monthly payment,” the manufacturer said.
“The flat rate subscription means that having a Polestar car becomes a hassle free experience for the customer. This is facilitated by Phone-As-Key technology. It allows the owner to share a virtual key with a third party, and also enables access to a host of other on-demand features. This concierge service ensures that the customer only needs to focus on the enjoyment of driving.”
Following the Polestar 1 are the creatively titled Polestar 2 and Polestar 3. Polestar 2 will start production later in 2019 and will be the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from the Volvo Car Group, that will compete directly with the Tesla Model 3. After the initial phase of the Polestar product roll out, the manufacturer hopes to release a larger SUV-style BEV, the Polestar 3.
The Polestar 1 will be built in the state-of-the-art, purpose-built Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China. Currently under construction, it is due for completion in mid-2018.
The order books for the new Polestar 1 open on 17 October 2017, with Polestar able to take expressions of interest from prospective customers immediately.
