Polestar 2 BEV Gets Design, Sustainability Updates

The Polestar 2 battery-electric vehicle is receiving updates intended to further increase range, boost power, minimize climate impact and increase transparency in use of materials.          

“We have revisited the materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce climate impact and increase the material traceability of this award-winning car,” Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath says in a news release.

“These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”

Updates for the 2023 model year include:

“In our program updates we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional midcycle facelifts,” says Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s head of sustainability. “Product optimization programs are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar, combining these with CO₂e (carbon-dioxide-equivalent) reduction programs as well.

“A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminum in the wheels with low-carbon aluminum that is produced using renewable energy. We expect this to result in a 1,322-lb. (600-kg) CO₂e reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminum in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 2,976 lbs. (1,350 kg) per car.”

Polestar is partnered with software company Circulor, which provides traceability within industrial supply chains. The partnership now includes blockchain accountability for mica and cobalt, both of which are critical battery components of an electric car. Polestar says the blockchain technology allows it to trace risk minerals from material source to finished product to ensure ethical mining and manufacturing processes are employed.

Polestar's strategy for interior materials is to increase the use of renewable, recyclable and recycled components, and to always include a vegan upholstery option. An improved optional Nappa leather upholstery (pictured, below) with greater sustainability credentials is now available in Polestar 2.

The 2023 Polestar 2 long-range single-motor model starts at $48,400; the dual-motor version starts at $51,900. Both variants qualify for a $7,500 federal incentive, in addition to state and local incentives. The new models go on sale in September.

Polestar 2 seats