Polestar News

Polestar global CEO Michael Lohscheller has shed fresh light on the upcoming new-generation Polestar 2, confirming launch timing, bodystyle and positioning within the Swedish EV maker’s line-up.Asked when the much-anticipated newcomer will hit showrooms, Lohscheller told CarsGuide, “The middle of 2027, which is super fast considering we just announced it.“We started in the first quarter of last year, right? So, that’s speed which is not common in the industry,” he said.And on the subject of the new 2’s body shape he added, “Look, obviously it will be a complete new car. “There will be new technology in there but why change a winning team because Polestar 2 was very, very successful.“For us, it’s the basis of our brand. I mean, it’s a bit like Golf was for VW back in the day.“We have more than 200,000 people driving Polestar 2 and we want to keep them. Therefore the (sedan) bodystyle will be similar,” he said.When it comes to positioning for the next-gen car, Lohscheller gives a thumbnail outline of the brand’s emerging line-up.“It depends on whether you look at size or price, but I would say the Polestar 7 is a compact SUV (also due in 2027) and the 2 is a larger sedan. Those to me are the two entries into the range price-wise.“Some prefer SUVs, some sedans but this is how you come in. Then we have the Polestar 4, which is a bit bigger, also a bit more expensive. Then you have the Polestar 3 and up to the Polestar 5. Our numbers don’t align. We are like Apple. “People ask me will you call (the new 2) the Polestar 8 and I say no, no way, it’s a 2,” he said.Lohscheller was also at pains to point out that although the company will always look for synergies within its Geely parent’s product portfolio, the new Polestar 2 will stand apart from Geely, Volvo or Zeekr models that may ultimately use its EV-specific platform.“It will be a very different car and the reason is we start obviously with the design here (in Sweden) and we put our Polestar DNA into the car.“There are things only Polestar will have - chassis tuning, some of the driving characteristics and that is ‘us’. We are not giving that away.“There are other areas where we will use things together, and it’s very beneficial that we have access to the best technology in the world.“But we will do Polestar, with Polestar DNA,” he said. And it’s worth noting Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard supports Mr Lohscheller’s position, previously telling CarsGuide, "The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on."We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does. So we'll be online when Europe is.“It just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027," Maynard said.

The price of Polestar’s premium, pure-electric Polestar 3 SUV has already been reduced in Australia this year, but the Swedish EV specialist’s global CEO Michael Lohscheller has indicated cost-of-entry will fall further thanks to a manufacturing switch from China to the USA.An updated version of the 3 arrived in here in March, boasting an 800-volt architecture, which Polestar claims has improved charge times by more than 25 per cent.And with a revised price of $116,700 (all prices before on-road costs) the ‘base’ Rear motor version represents a reduction of $1720 (-1.5 per cent) compared to the previous model.At $131,100 the mid-level Dual motor also dropped $1600 (-1.2 per cent), while the flagship Performance increased nearly $2280 (+1.6 per cent) to $146,700.But when asked by CarsGuide whether the change in Polestar 3 production for Australia from Chengdu, China to Ridgeville, South Carolina in the USA would make the car more expensive for local buyers Michael Lohscheller’s response was clear.“No. The other way around, because we had two production sites (for Polestar 3) and now we consolidate to one in the US. “So that lowers costs. It’s beneficial and very good news for us,” he said.And while acknowledging Polestar remains “in a loss-making situation” overall, Lohscheller added that, “Going forward I want to make Polestar more approachable also with cars which start at lower prices where you can then have access and you can walk up.“When Polestar was set up it was maybe a bit too high and too niche and maybe also a bit too expensive.“I want to make sure people can afford a Polestar 2 or Polestar 7 to come into the brand. So, instead of starting at €50,000 (~$80,000), maybe we start at €40,000 (~$65,000).“And that doesn’t mean we will not be premium anymore, but you have better entry into the brand,” he said.

Polestar has confirmed pricing for its updated Polestar 2 liftback, now with more driving range and various hardware upgrades, however the previous entry-level Standard Range variant has been culled from the range, with starting prices jumping up as a result.The most affordable Polestar 2 is now the Long Range Single Motor, which starts from $66,400, stepping up significantly from the previous $62,400 Standard Range. See the full pricing table for the updated range below.The new Polestar 2 also faces increasingly stiff competition in the fully electric sedan and liftback segment, with the introduction of the keenly priced Mazda 6e and Kia EV4 (both from $49,990) joining its traditional rivals like the Tesla Model 3 (from $54,900) and BYD Seal from ($46,990).It represents a move into more premium territory, which Polestar has been telegraphing for its range for some time.This version of the Polestar 2 is the third update the model has received since its original launch, and the second minor range tweak with the current styling. A new-generation car said to be a significant overhaul due in 2027.2027 Polestar 2 priceThe Polestar 2 range consists of three variants, all of which share the same 82kWh battery, with the grades separated primarily by driven wheels and power outputs.2027 Polestar 2 powertrain and efficiencyThese model year updates to the Polestar 2 do not include significant changes to power output compared to the previous version of the car, aside from the slightly less powerful Standard Range being culled from the line-up. As the Polestar 2 is now only equipped with the Long Range battery, it has significantly longer range than many of the entry-level versions of its rivals.2027 Polestar 2 standard featuresThe base Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor comes equipped with:19-inch alloy wheelsLED headlights with auto high-beams12.3-inch digital instrument cluster11.2-inch central multimedia touchscreenAndroid Automotive operating system with OTA services and updates including Google Maps, Assistant, Spotify, YouTube, Waze, Internet Browser, Tidal, TuneIn radio and Prime VideoPolestar connect phone applicationWired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity250W eight-speaker audio systemTextile interior trimFront seat heatingKeyless entryPower tailgateHeated auto-folding auto dimming wing mirrorsRain sensing wipersDual-zone climateAmbient interior lighting360-degree parking cameraBlind spot monitoringRear cross traffic alertRear collision warning with auto brakingThe mid-grade Long Range Dual Motor addsSecond motor on front axleThe top-spec Performance adds20-inch Performance forged alloy wheels with Continental SportContact 6 tyresPerformance software upgradeOhlins adjustable dual-flow dampersBrembo brake packagePixel LED headlights‘MicroTech’ Charcoal interior trim with ‘Black Ash’ interior detailingGold accents for brake calipers, seatbelts, and valve capsPanoramic fixed sunroof600W Harmon Kardon 13-speaker premium Audio systemElectrically adjustable front seatsUpgraded ambient interior lightingLED fog lightsFoot sensor for the power tailgateAir quality sensorSmartphone digital keyUpgraded “lid-in-lid” boot lining2027 Polestar 2 optional featuresAs with previous iterations of the Polestar 2, there are a range of option packs which can significantly change the car, including the Plus Pack, Climate Pack and Pro Pack. The previous Pilot Pack which included additional safety equipment is standard on all Australian-delivered vehicles.The Plus pack ($4700 - included on Performance grade) adds:600W 13-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio systemPanoramic fixed sunroofMicroTech interior trim in Charcoal with Black Ash highlightsFully electrically adjustable front seatsUpgraded ambient interior lightingAir quality sensorDigital key via phone appLED fog lightsKick sensor for power tailgateUpgraded “lid-in-lid” boot liningThe Climate pack ($1500) adds:Heat pumpHeated rear seatsHeated steering wheelHeated wiper nozzlesThe Pro pack ($1900) adds:20-inch alloy wheelsGold and black contrast seat belt trimGold valve capsIn addition some items can be optioned separately, including:Pixel LED headlights ($1600)24 months of additional connected services ($340)Privacy glass ($500)Animal welfare leather trim with Zinc (white) with light ash interior trim ($4800)Animal welfare leather trim in Charcoal (black) with light ash interior trim ($4400)2027 Polestar 2 coloursThe Polestar 2 is available in six exterior colours, including two greys, beige, blue, white, and black. Only the base grey colour is included, with other colours costing $1500 aside from the pearl-effect white option, which costs $1800.2027 Polestar 2 safetyDespite once keeping safety features as part of an optional package, the Pilot Pack is now included on all Polestar 2s delivered to AustraliaAs such, safety kit across the range includes:Auto emergency brakingLane keep assist with lane departure warningBlind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alertRear auto brakingAdaptive cruise controlTraffic sign recognitionDriver attention alertAcoustic alert360-degree parking cameraAuto dimming mirrorsThe Polestar 2 is equipped with eight airbags and is rated a maximum ANCAP five-stars based on a test of the pre-facelift car in 2021.2027 Polestar 2 warranty and servicingThe Polestar 2 is covered by a five year and unlimited kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assist.Servicing is required only once every two years or 30,000km.2027 Polestar 2 dimensionsAll variants of the Polestar 2 measure 4606mm long, 1859mm wide, and 1477mm tall. It has a 2735mm wheelbase and has a 151mm ground clearance.The boot measures 407-litres with the second row up, or 1097L with the second row down. The Polestar 2 can tow 1500kg braked or 750kg unbraked.

EV brand Polestar says Australia's EV "wake-up" moment has arrived, saying its sales are soaring as customers flock to electric vehicles.That's the word from the brand's local chief, Scott Maynard, who says Polestar's sales so far (up 19.5 per cent so far this year despite dropping in March) aren't actually a true reflection of demand, suggesting orders and test drives were even higher."We've seen a real drive into sales. It's just been exciting and a number that isn't necessarily told by last month's results. These things take a little bit of time from point of sale to the point of delivery," he says."So you've not yet seen what we've been pulling in, but our order intake last month was a record for that month in a year, and our current test drive bookings are through the roof. So yes, we definitely see it come right through to the point of sale, which is good."Driving demand, says Mr Maynard, is the echo of international conflicts being felt at home, where fuel supply, not just the price per litre, has become a dinner-table topic across Australia."I don't know that there were too many Australians that were aware that at any one time we hold approximately 30 days of fuel. And you know, one of the, I suppose, interesting side effects to the current tragedy that is playing out overseas is that it is now a number that's etched in the minds of all Australians," he says."I think that it's not the price of fuel, but the availability, as we see service stations run out of the stuff. It doesn't matter what you can pay for fuel if you can't get any."And so the questions around Australia's vulnerability to disruptions to fuel supply will remain after this crisis has come and gone. So it'll be interesting to see what the tail effect on inquiry is to electric vehicles, now that that, I think the wake-up call has been heard."The lingering question, says Mr Maynard, is whether this uptake will continue apace, or begin to settle once the conflict in Iran eases and oil begins flowing again."I think it would be good for Australian drivers if the rate of inquiry was sustained, perhaps not at the same frenetic pace, but still at a reasonable rate that would see the share start to fall in line with other developed markets around the world," he says. "Europe is easily surpassing a 20 per cent share. Asia is on or around 30 to 50 per cent, and we still languish around 10 to 15 per cent, so it would be good to see this as a bit of a catch-up moment for Australia."

It is official, high fuel prices are driving Aussies to ditch the bowser.Polestar Australia is the latest brand to claim interest in its vehicles has skyrocketed in the past few weeks as the Iran war causes massive pain at the bowser.It is claimed test drive bookings of Polestar vehicles have tripled in the past fortnight, which foreshadows a huge sales boost for the Chinese owned Swedish brand.Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard likened the surge in interested buyers to peak sales periods.“The vulnerable state of our nation’s fuel security has been exposed, and won't magically improve when the current crisis ends. There is a clear sense of urgency from customers, which is driving strong order volumes,” said Maynard."Demand is strongest for Polestar 4 in Australia, but we have seen increased interest across our range. Supply of Polestar 4 remains strong in Australia, including some pre-configured vehicles available for fast delivery through our Spaces network. Limited stock of Polestar 2 is also available for fast delivery.”This fits into the backdrop of surging EV sales in Australia in the past month.More than 15,000 electric cars found a new home in March, which is double what was sold in March, 2025. Electric cars made up about 14 per cent of all new vehicle sales in the past month.Tesla’s Model Y led the pack with 2818 sales, followed by the BYD Sealion 7 (1970), Zeekr 7X (679), Tesla Model 3 (667) and Geely EX5 (606).The brand also delivered a carrot for those considering the switch.Polestar detailed new research that showed buyers could expect to slash their fuel bills by about $100 a month by making the switch.The research from a survey of more than 1000 Aussie drivers — about 80 per cent petrol/diesel/hybrid motorists and 20 per cent EV users — showed the average cost of charging an EV was about $60 a month compared to $150 for others.The research was conducted before the current fuel crisis, so the difference between the two would have increased enormously since then.“Electric vehicles were saving Australian drivers money even before the current fuel crisis,” said Maynard.“Even with the recent federal government cuts to the fuel excise, the availability and security of Australia’s fuel supply remain a critical focus. Our vulnerability has been exposed, and won't magically improve when the current conflict ends.”Polestar Chief Executive Officer Michael Lohsceller said electric cars have a more stable refilling price than others.“What used to be range anxiety is quickly becoming pump anxiety. People are moving away from unpredictable fuel costs to predictable electricity,” said Lohscheller.

Electric vehicle sales are booming in Australia as international and domestic factors contribute to substantial EV uptake. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) data for the first quarter of 2026 reveals EV sales are up 40 per cent compared to this time last year. In the first quarter of this year, Tesla and Polestar have sold nearly 8000 units between them, which is also a sizable increase on 2025 numbers. This number is likely to be even higher, with only Tesla and Polestar reporting to the EVC, meaning much of the ever-increasing range of electric cars are not part of this latest data set. Official data for April from VFACTS will be released next week.This includes strong selling EV models such as the Zeekr 7X, which has had a flying start to life in Australia, along with many electric BYD models. Tesla accumulated 3485 sales for March 2026, more than 600 extra units compared to March 2025. The Model Y SUV continues to be the brand’s most popular model, with 2818 units shifted in March 2026, more than 1000 up on the same time last year. Tesla will soon introduce a six-seater version of its best-seller called the Model Y L, which will arrive in the coming weeks. The Model 3 sedan has not had the same positive sales result as its SUV sibling, with a 40 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Polestar has also not experienced the same sales increase, with its Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 experiencing sharp drop-offs, while Polestar 4 sales improved slightly. This latest data comes at a time when rising fuel prices are sending demand for EVs skyrocketing.EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio said this latest data indicates an acceleration of the EV shift for Australia. “Volatile global oil markets are changing the conversation. Australians aren't asking whether EVs are the future anymore. They're asking which one they can get their hands on, and when,” Delvecchio said. This electric sale acceleration is also being brought on by the government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which is placing pressure on brands to electrify their line-ups or face fines. Major brands have already started hiking prices on petrol units, while introducing new EV models to offset the potential impacts of the emissions-based scheme.

Polestar has announced a huge battery recycling initiative on some of its key models. Some Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 models will be fitted with batteries that include at least 50 per cent recycled cobalt. As part of its partnership with Volvo battery centres, Polestar 2 and 3 models requiring a battery replacement will be installed with a refurbished unit as opposed to a new one. Cobalt is a key material in many types of car batteries, such as lithium-iron and Nickel-Managenese-Cobalt (NMC). Polestar uses NMC batteries across its range, meaning mined cobalt is integral to the brand, but this latest initiative demonstrates it is trying moving away from that reliance.The majority of all mined cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is said to have half the world’s reserves.The extraction of cobalt in the DRC has given rise to concerns over the health and safety of people involved as well as the legality of the process itself. Extracting cobalt releases fine dust particles and dangerous chemical byproducts leading to contamination.There have also been substantiated reports of illegal working conditions, including broader African mining practices. Cobalt carries with it a heavy price tag as well.These issues have seen some car manufacturers move away from cobalt-dependent batteries, opting for different make-ups such as lithium-iron-phosphate, which are cheaper, but not as efficient. Polestar said it aims to reduce reliance on virgin materials, such as cobalt, and keep resources in use for longer. “... a key focus is to extend battery life and retain the battery’s value for as long as possible, which benefits both the environment and the customer experience,” the brand said.Polestar is also looking into developing recycling initiatives in other global markets, which is in line with many other manufacturers. The European Union has already introduced increasingly tough battery recycling mandates for car makers. This includes a 90 per cent cobalt reduction mandate by 2027, shifting to 95 per cent by the end of the decade. In Australia, Nissan is re-using a few of its first generation Leaf NMC batteries to power part of the company’s part manufacturing plant.BMW has a similar recycling initiative for its i3 batteries in Australia.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia are booming, but not in the locations where you might expect them to be.There has been new insight into where Aussies are buying EVs in Australia from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA).NALSPA’s data shows where EVs are being purchased using a novated lease and the Electric Car Discount (ECD).Range anxiety is often quoted as one of the major roadblocks to the uptake on EVs in Australia. This data suggests it might not play on people's minds to the extent previously thought.Many of the suburbs on the list are not immediately located in the city centres, but further out.The top two postcodes are both on the outskirts of Melbourne in Victoria, around 25-30km away from the CBD.Next up on the list are two postcodes from the west of Sydney, before a rural area in the ACT.The outskirt city theme continues down the list, with a postcode roughly 30km from Brisbane, Queensland, followed by another outer Melbourne postcode.Rounding out the list is a postcode in the greater Western Sydney area, along with NSW/ACT border town Queanbeyan and a postcode around 10km away from Canberra’s centre.This point outer metro residents searching for some respite from high fuel costs from their long commutes and they have access to roof top solar power.Top 10 postcodes for electric vehicles using novated leasing and EDCThe ECD waives the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The incentive applies to new battery-electric vehicles, up to a total cost of $89,332.NALSPA Chief Executive Officer Rohan Martin said the data demonstrates the importance of the ECD, especially to people living outside of the major cities. “Australians living in the outer suburbs often face longer commutes and are more likely to have access to rooftop solar and off-street parking so switching to EVs with the help of the FBT exemption is a smart cost-of-living and green choice for them, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crunch,” Martin said. “We cannot increase EV uptake further, especially during this early adoption phase, without continued targeted demand-side incentives - that's the stark reality. The EV Discount is more than proving its worth but there is still much heavy lifting to be done.”This news comes after the federal government announced a statutory review in the EDC last year, with rumours the whole scheme could be pulled. Costs for the scheme have increased significantly beyond original forecasts, with it costing $1.35 billion last financial year. There is potential for these costs to blow out further as EVs become a more attractive option for buyers with petrol and diesel fuels soaring up in price, along with increasingly scarce availability.

With the hammer predicted to drop on EV subsides in the coming weeks, there are growing calls to instead shine the spotlight on Australia's ute segment, where similar tax breaks exist for "commercial vehicles."

A new and reimagined Polestar 2 will launch next year, and it will place a target on the back of the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.It will form part of a split strategy for entry-level Polestar models, with the Polestar 7 small SUV – due in 2028 – acting as the SUV entry point to the brand, while Polestar 2 will be its most accessible passenger vehicle.It gives the brand a two-pronged attack on the affordable end of the EV market, and the 2 will lead that charge next year, with Polestar Australia chief Scott Maynard assuring the model will deliver a "notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives" but will still "provide a great entry to the Polestar brand", at least until the Polestar 7 arrives."Polestar 2 will still provide a great entry to the Polestar brand for a period of time until we see some of the future products which might provide us with a different platform for entry, but we just need to wait and see. For the time being that will remain as our entry point to the brand," he says."That will see a notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives as well. It's not going to be a sports car in the same light as the Polestar 5, but it will be a notch above the current car which is already really an accomplished, dynamic car.Mr Maynard also confirmed reports the model won't make the shift into an SUV body style, insisting it will remain a "dynamic looking car"."The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on."The Polestar 2 is expected to break cover late this year ahead of an on-sale date sometime in 2027."We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does," Mr Maynard says. "So we'll be online when Europe is, it just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027."