Polestar set to become electric performance brand as it unveils its first car

Polestar, Volvo Car Group’s performance brand, has revealed its future as a new standalone electric performance brand and has confirmed plans for its first three models.

Also confirmed is a new purpose-built production facility in China and a customer-focused route to market that will set a new industry benchmark for performance vehicles.

Polestar also unveiled the 600hp Polestar 1, the company’s first car, which is set to roll off the production line in mid-2019.

Polestar’s technology and product offering benefits from synergies and economies of scale enabled by the Volvo Car Group, helping Polestar to accelerate design, development and production processes at a fraction of the time it takes other new entrants.

The Polestar 1 is a two-door, 2+2 seat Grand Tourer Coupé with an ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain. An electric car supported by an internal combustion engine, it has a range of 150kms on pure electric power alone - the longest full electric range of any hybrid car on the market. Its output of 600hp and 1000Nm of torque places the car firmly in the performance car segment.

Thomas Ingenlath, chief executive officer of Polestar said: “Polestar 1 is the first car to carry the Polestar on the bonnet. A beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it - a great start for our new Polestar brand. All future cars from Polestar will feature a fully electric drivetrain, delivering on our brand vision of being the new standalone electric performance brand."

The Polestar 1 will be built in the state-of-the-art, purpose-built Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China. Currently, under construction, it is due for completion in mid-2018.