Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) has given its Polestar 2 five-door fastback a major update for 2024, including new electric motors, rear-wheel drive, more battery capacity and—believe it or not, lower emissions.

“With the new model year Polestar 2, we upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “This is the best Polestar 2 yet.”

The Polestar 2 went on sale in 2019. It’s now available in 27 global markets, and reached the 100,000-unit production milestone in late 2022.

Both Polestar 2 variants now feature next-generation electric motors and inverters, which deliver increases in both efficiency and performance.

The single-motor variant is now rear-wheel-driven, and features a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new motor has a power output of 299 hp (increased from 231 hp) and is optimized for maximum efficiency and torque (361 lb-ft, up from 243 lb-ft). The 0-60 mph time has been reduced by 1.1 seconds, to 5.9 seconds.

The dual-motor version now has a rear-drive bias that’s designed to increase driving pleasure and performance. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. Total system output is 421 hp and torque is 546 lb-ft (increased from the original 408 hp and 467 lb-ft), and the car can now get from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. To increase efficiency, the front motor can now be disengaged completely when not needed, and re-engaged seamlessly when more power is needed.

The optional Performance Pack brings total power to 455 hp and 0-60 mph sprint time to 4.1 seconds. This package is also available to purchase as an over-the-air software upgrade.

“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel-drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car.”

The Long-range Dual-motor variant now offers a range of up to 270 miles, and the Long-range Single-motor version, which sports a new, larger 82 kWh battery pack, now boasts a range of 300 miles (EPA estimates) and a maximum charging power of 205 kW DC.

Despite the larger batteries and more powerful motors, Polestar was able to reduce the carbon emissions for cars with the new 82 kWh battery pack to 5.9 tons per car (previously 7 tons), thanks to improved cell chemistry.

The 2024 Polestar 2 is available to order now, and deliveries are to begin later this year.

Source: Polestar