CAR NEWS

2024 Polestar 2 Gets Updated with New Motors, More Range

Jan 24, 2023  · 2 min read

Summary
EV gets new motors, more power, and more range.

The Polestar 2 EV has only been on the market for three years in Canada, but it's already getting a big overhaul that includes the usual small appearance changes and two all-new motors. But perhaps one of the most interesting changes is a switch from front-drive for the basic model to rear-wheel drive.

Polestar changes up the nose slightly with what it calls the SmartZone grille. What was an opening is now a body-colour panel, and behind the panel are the front-facing camera, mid-range radar, and other sensors that help make its active safety features work. Polestar says it is "signifying the shift from 'breathing' through a front grille to 'seeing' the road ahead."

Two next-generation electric motors power the 2024 Polestar 2. Like we said earlier, the single-motor car is now rear-wheel drive, and it makes 299 hp instead of 231. Torque is up nearly 120 lb-ft to 361 lb-ft. With all that extra power, the Polestar 2 should get quicker but it also gets a bit more efficient and has a bit more battery capacity (up from 78 to 82 kWh). That means more range, up approximately 50 km to an estimated 483 km.

Dual-motor AWD cars get more power from the new motors as well, sort of. The Long Range Dual Motor car now makes 421 hp and 546 lb-ft, up from 408 and 467. But the Performance pack with its Ohlins suspension upgrades now makes just 455 hp to go with the 546 lb-ft of torque. That's down from the 476 hp (but up from 502 lb-ft) it offered last year.

At least all dual-motor cars get more range. Despite using a 78-kWh pack (smaller than the single motor), both dual-motor cars are estimated to get 437 km. That's about 20 km more range than last year.

“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 at Polestar. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car."

Standard equipment levels are up for Canada as well. The Pilot Pack, with Pilot Assist, cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, and other driver aids (was $4,700) is now standard on dual-motor cars. Wireless phone charging is also on all 2024 Polestar 2 models.

There's no word yet on when the 2024 Polestar 2 will arrive at the company's Polestar Space locations in Canada, and pricing has yet to be revealed.

Meet the Author

Evan has been covering cars for close to five years, but has been reading about them since he was 2. He's a certified engineering technologist and a member of AJAC. If it moves and has an engine, Evan's probably interested in it.