It’s no secret that the demand for EVs (Electric Vehicles) is up. The industry is increasingly gaining in popularity and is expected to surpass $800 billion by 2027. Nearly every major car manufacturer is prepping to release some form of EV soon—some as early as this spring. 

As consumers transition to EVs, a significant change in infrastructure is imminent. The role of the auto mechanic will become more technologically focused as more consumers move to EVs. 

In addition, advancements in battery technology will be necessary to help reduce battery cost and charge time as well as increase range. 

The Polestar Experience

Jason Church, Chief Operating Officer, has worked for Courtesy Automotive Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, for over a decade. The dealership currently offers a number of EVs and hybrid vehicles including those designed by Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding.

“Every single manufacturer is jumping toward an electric offering,” Church said. “I think what becomes apparent is that it’s a steep learning curve.”

Church says that Polestar is projecting huge growth and is, “well placed to take a large portion of the electric car sales” in the future.

Not only does Polestar have the clout of manufacturing with Volvo, but while others are struggling with current production constraints, Polestar dealers have managed to keep their vehicles stocked. In addition, the fully electric, aerodynamic Polestar 3 SUV, will be locally produced in South Carolina and made available to dealers across the U.S.  

“Production in the U.S. reduces delivery times as well as the environmental impact associated with shipping vehicles around the world. It will even have a positive impact on the price of Polestar 3,” said Dennis Nobelius, Chief Operating Officer at Polestar. “All of this makes the brand even more competitive in the critical American sales market.”

“Polestar is already leading the shift to electric vehicles with the Polestar 2,” says Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. “With avant garde design, technological innovation and true sustainability credentials, Polestar stands out in the industry. We are one of the only global premium automakers solely offering electric vehicles, and we want to encourage drivers to transition to fully electric cars. Polestar is serious about its sustainability goals – and that includes the fact that our cars have and will continue to have zero emissions.”

“Compared to our current models, Polestar 3 will ride on an all-new EV platform and complement Polestar 1 and 2 with a sporty, aerodynamic SUV shape,” Hembrough adds.

Polestar Features

The new Polestar EV will come complete with built-in Google Assist activated by voice command and a safety-focused Pilot Assist feature.

When driving on any road with marked lanes, Pilot Assist can be activated with the touch of a button. The feature is designed to be used with a driver who is engaged (not texting or distracted) but keeps the car inside the yellow lines. It also includes an adaptive cruise control that Church says is impressive.

 “So, if a car slows down in front of you,” says Church, “you don’t even have to touch the brake; it slows down. If that car accelerates, it accelerates.”

The Polestar also features regenerative braking—a mechanism that slows the vehicle down when the gas pedal is released. This way, the vehicle uses its momentum for energy that would otherwise be lost to brake discs as heat. Conventional braking systems lose excess kinetic energy to heat due to friction every time the driver brakes. Regenerative brakes are more efficient and can significantly extend the brake life on the vehicle.

The Polestar 1 boasts 619 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar 2 starts out at $38,400 after a federal tax credit and comes equipped with a long-range dual-motor with an output of 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. According to Church, these vehicles can even handle snow.

“It’s in the DNA,” laughs Church, referring to the Polestar’s Swedish roots and Volvo heritage. Many EVs are now all-wheel drive, and if fitted with appropriate winter tires, are comparable to their gas-powered counterparts in the snow.

What’s more, the Polestar 2 can travel over 230 miles before needing to recharge. 

Polestar offers the convenience of a purchasing experience that can be completed 100% online. In addition, they offer 26 retail “spaces” or showrooms currently open in the U.S., where customers can experience Polestar firsthand. Each of these retail spaces has a Polestar Specialist who can assist with the online purchasing process, answer questions and schedule test drives. Customers can even book a test drive from home and a specialist will deliver the vehicle to their residence. Polestar also offers free pickup and delivery maintenance. 

“We’re digital-first, meeting our consumers where they are: We’ll bring a car to you for a test drive or deliver a new car to your driveway, and we have our physical spaces for those who want to go in and talk with a Polestar Specialist and learn more about the brand in a low-pressure, art-gallery-like environment.”

Scottsdale Fashion Square currently has a Polestar retail space under construction which is located outside Nordstrom near Tiffany’s.

For more information, visit polestar.com.

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