Polestar, the luxury Sino-Swedish EV brand, has arrived in Ireland with the company confirming the specs and pricing for the Polestar 2, currently the company's sole model - the Polestar 1 has just finished its production run.
What Polestar 2 models are available in Ireland?
Three versions of the Polestar 2 will be available in Ireland starting with the single-motor, standard-range model with 231hp, a 69kWh battery and range of up to 474km under the WLTP testing standard.
Next in line is the long-range single-motor model with the same power output, but a 78kWh battery and correspondingly longer range of 542km.
Topping the line-up here is the dual-motor, long-range version which, using the same 78kWh battery and two electric motors, develops 408hp and distance between charges of 482km.
How do I buy a Polestar 2?
Similarly to Tesla, there won't be a dealer network for Polestar as such, but rather retail locations (largely like showrooms, but smaller) known as Polestar Spaces or Polestar Destinations. These will allow potential buyers to speak to a representative and to take a test drive, and the buying process takes place online. The first Polestar Destination in Ireland is due to open in Dublin later in 2022.
Like in the UK, the company in Ireland will presumably make use of Volvo's dealer network for servicing and repairs. Volvo, along with the Chinese conglomerate Geely are Polestar's parent companies, and the Polestar 2 shares its underpinnings with the Volvo XC40 and C40.
Inside the Polestar 2, the cabin is dominated by the large eleven-inch portrait aspect touchscreen running a multimedia system powered by Google.
What's coming down the line?
Commenting on Polestar's arrival here, Kieran Campbell, Polestar Ireland's market lead said:
"It's clear there's huge appetite for new premium electric cars here in Ireland, so the arrival of Polestar couldn't be better-timed. With its avant-garde styling, advanced technology and impressive sustainability credentials, Polestar 2 is the perfect car for Ireland's transition to electric vehicles."
While there's just one model for now, Polestar plans to extend its offering over the next few years, starting with the Polestar 3 SUV later this year. Next up in 2024 will be another SUV, the Polestar 4, and 2025 will see the launch of the Polestar 5, a coupé-styled saloon based on the company's well-received Precept concept car and utilising an all-new bespoke platform developed by the company.
How much is the Polestar 2 in Ireland?
Pricing for the Polestar 2 in Ireland starts from €54,500 for the single-motor, standard-range model, and for potential buyers there'll be a four-week roadshow running from May 9th, starting in Dublin and moving on to Kilkenny, Cork and Galway.