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Polestar to go electric with the launch of Polestar 1 by mid-2019

Volvo’s performance division Polestar is set to go electric as a stand-alone electric performance car brand, and has confirmed plans for its first three models.

The 600hp Polestar 1 will be the company’s first car, which will roll out by mid-2019 from a new production facility in Chengdu, China. It will be a two-door, 2+2 seater Grand Tourer Coupé, with an ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain (supported by an internal combustion engine), with a range of 150 kms on pure electric power alone. Its output of 600hp and 1000Nm of torque places it firmly in the performance territory.

Synergies with Volvo will hopefully, help accelerate the design, development and production processes at Polestar, at a fraction of the time taken by other new entrants. The Polestar 1 will be based on Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and feature a host of new technologies aimed at making it a true driver’s car. It will be the world’s first car to be fitted with the Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi) advanced chassis technology, and will have a carbon fibre body that reduces bodyweight, lowers the centre of gravity and improves torsional stiffness by 45%. Additionally, it will use a double electric rear axle to enable torque vectoring and support precise acceleration on each wheel, keeping maximum road grip and maintaining speed while cornering.

Polestar 2 will start production later in 2019 and will be the first battery-electric vehicle from the Volvo Car Group. It will be a mid-sized BEV, pitched against the Tesla Model 3. This will be followed by the larger SUV-style BEV, the Polestar 3, which will create a modern expression of electric performance and driving dynamics.

Polestar also plans to move away from the traditional ownership model to a subscription ownership model. Cars can be ordered 100% online and will be offered on a 2/3 year subscription. The zero deposit, all-inclusive subscription will add features like pick-up and delivery servicing and the ability to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range, in a single monthly payment.

Having a Polestar car will be a hassle free experience for the customer, with concierge facilities and other services ensuring a seamless end to end experience. A network of standalone Polestar Spaces will allow customers to physically interact with the products and the brand.

Order books for the new Polestar 1 opens on 17 October 2017.

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