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Polestar: the Sino-Swedish brand arrives in France in force
In 1998, the brand of top-of-the-range electric vehicles Polestar was created and waited several years before being acquired by Volvo, part of the Chinese Geely group, in 2015.
It used to be, Polestar played for Volvo the same role as AMG for Mercedes-Benz a tuner specialising in sports versions. In 2019, the idea of converting it into a manufacturer of electric vehicles made in China emerged, by coming compete with the American giant Tesla. And the proof is in the pudding: one of the current models, the Polestar 2, competes directly with the Tesla Model 3. From now on, Polestar's aim is to offer sporty, electrified models, sharing their technology with Volvo vehicles.
Following many years of legal dispute between Polestar and Citroën concerning a logo plagiarism chargethe Sino-Swedish brand will finally be able to market its vehicles in France by 2025.
However, this is not the only reason why its arrival in France has been delayed. Between conflicts and implementation strategies, Polestar has had to overcome a number of challenges to establish itself on the French market.
Pandemic and legal dispute with Citroën
Since its launch, Polestar has faced a number of difficulties.
Firstly, we have the Covid-19 pandemicwhich brought the whole world to a standstill. Secondly, a major obstacle delayed the launch of the brand in 2019: the similarities between its logo and that of Citroën.
The Polestar symbol is supposed to evoke thePolar star. But if you turn the steering wheel slightly, you can see 2 chevrons meeting in the centre.
The design was deemed too similar to the Citroën chevrons, and Polestar was sued for :
- counterfeiting,
- and damage to its brand.
At the time, the Paris court rejected the plagiarism charge, but accepted the charge of trademark infringement. This decision obliged Polestar to compensate Citroën for €150,000.
In 2022, the two companies finally resolved their dispute by withdrawing their respective complaints. This was the main reason why Polestar was unable to enter the French market.
A carefully considered layout
As we have seen, the dispute with Citroën is not the only reason for Polestar's delay in France.
"Polestar is a premium brand. It didn't make sense to launch it with just one model, and an ageing one at that. To generate interest, you need regular new products."
The situation was unblocked by the launch of :
- a restyling of the Polestar 2,
- from Electric SUV Polestar 3,
- electric crossover Polestar 4 this year, 2024,
- but also electric saloon Polestar 5 in 2025.
This will enable Polestar to approach the French market with a complete and attractive range.
💡Did you know? Geely has not paid as much attention to the other European markets (Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy), as Polestar identifies France as the second largest European market for electric vehicles in terms of volume, just behind Germany.
However, Polestar's arrival in France in a difficult context, facing financial difficulties which could lead to its delisting from the Nasdaq index.
Indeed, the brand was recently divested by Volvo, leading to a drop in sales over the last 3 quarters, with a notable 39 % decrease in the 4ᵉ quarter of 2023.
"Expanding our retail operations with new and existing partners will allow us to reach more customers."
But that's not all: the potential taxes on Chinese cars by the United States and Europe risk disrupt Polestar's expansion strategywhich needs to increase its sales.
Find out more: Tax on Chinese electric cars: the impact on Europe
Models available in France from 2025
As previously stated, Polestar focuses on the preparation of a complete rangeplanned for 2025, according to Challenges. While the Polestar 1 served as a show car for the manufacturer, the Polestar 2 is intended to rival the Tesla Model 3.
However, it will not be alone in such a competitive market: the Polestar 3 SUV and the Polestar 4 crossover are planned for this year. They will be joined by a saloon, the Polestar 5 by 2025as well as a new version of the Polestar 2.
Polestar 2
With the restyling of the legendary Polestar 2, the Swedish brand's electric saloon, which will be launched in 2019, has been given a facelift.
The changes were concentrated on technical improvementsincluding an increase in power and efficiency.autonomyas well as subtle aesthetic changes inside and out.
The restyled Polestar 2 is "a more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and total control, while gaining in maturity with increased comfort", according to Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar.
💡What you need to know This saloon is available in 4 versions:
- Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack (AWD),
- Long Range Dual Motor (AWD),
- Long Range Single Motor (Propulsion),
- Standard Range Single Motor (Propulsion).
Here are the changes made to the Long Range Dual Motor 4-wheel drive version and some of its technical specifications:
- New rims,
- New battery from 82 kWh,
- Induction charger for telephone,
- 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds,
- New engine for 421 hp for 740 torque,
- New maximum charging power of 205 kW,
- New 592 km range in the WLTP cycle for this version,
To consult: WLTP, CLTC, EPA...: standards for determining the range of electric vehicles
- Incorporation of a SmartZone (area of the radiator grille incorporating a camera and driver assistance systems).
As you know, the Polestar 2 is already on sale in most European markets.
Prices start at 50 190 € for theentry-level and reach 64 690 € for the most powerful model. French tariffs should therefore be equivalent.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is a 7-seater SUV that is technically similar to the Volvo EX90is as luxurious as it is expensive.
According to the manufacturer, this large SUV is designed for driving pleasure, combining :
- finely-tuned suspension,
- a balanced powertrain,
- and a low battery position, guaranteeing a stable, responsive car.
At the time of its launch, the Polestar 3 offered 2 4-wheel drive variants:
- the version Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack
- 517 hpevaux,
- 111 kWh battery,
- Transmission integral,
- 0 to 100 km/h at 4.7 seconds,
- 561 km range according to the WLTP cycle,
- Fast charging of 10 to 80 % in 30 minutes.
- and the Long Range Dual Motor :
- 489 hpevaux,
- All-wheel drive,
- 111 kWh battery,
- 0 to 100 km/h at 5 seconds,
- Maximum speed of 210 km/h,
- 631 km range according to the WLTP cycle,
- Fast charging of 10 to 80 % in 30 minutes.
From now on, this SUV will be available in 2024 in a new variant. Long Range Single Motor with a single rear-wheel drive unit.
The engine planned for this model, inherited from the 4×4 models, would have a power of 180 kWequivalent to 245 bhp. At the same time, the 111 kWh battery would be shared, suggesting that this rear-wheel drive version will have a longer range. However, no information has yet been released, and pricing is still undetermined.
Polestar 4
First unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2023, the new Polestar 4 is a further addition to the Swedish manufacturer's range. This model, Polestar's only innovation of 2024, enters the electric SUV coupé segment with a distinctive design and high technology.
Read more : Auto China 2024: Chinese cars shake up the West
In fact, it's the fastest Polestar ever made, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The Polestar 4 is available in 2 versions:
- Long Range Dual Motor
- 102 kWh battery,
- Range of 560 km on the WLTP cycle,
- Power of 400 kW (544 bhp) and torque of 686 Nm
- Long Range Single Motor
- 102 kWh battery,
- Range of 600 km in WLTP cycle
- Power of 200 kW (272 bhp) and torque of 373 Nm
A notable feature of the Swedish SUV is theThe rear window is missing, but also its bi-directional charging".V2L"(Vehicle-to-Load), enabling the vehicle's battery to supply power to external devices.
To consult : V2G, V2L, V2X: what are they and what is their use?
As for the starting price, Polestar has announced €60,000 for the basic version of the Polestar 4. However, it faces stiff competition, particularly from the Tesla Model Y Grande Autonomie, priced at €51,990.
Read more : Tesla Model Y 2024: the Long Range Drive version arrives in France
Polestar 5
The Polestar 5 is not your average concept car, according to the manufacturer, as it reflects its aspirations in terms of :
- design,
- technology,
- and sustainability.
Planned for 2025, the Polestar 5 is a large, sleek electric saloon that aims to outperform the Porsche Taycan but also to compete alongside Lotus Eletre and Tesla Model S Plaid.
Read more : Lotus Eletre: the new electric hyper SUV 100%
In mid-November 2023, Polestar organised a presentation event in Los Angeles, entitled the "Polestar 2023". Polestar Day "This year, we will be presenting our new products and future models.
Inspired by its Polestar Precept, the Polestar 5 will be similar to this innovative concept car without many adjustments. It will incorporate improvements and innovations tested in other concept cars.
Although we don't have a great deal of information about this electric saloon, the manufacturer did give a number of technical specifications for this electric car at the event, including :
- 2 electric motors,
- 160 km of range in just 5 minutes of fast charging thanks to :
- 800 V architecture,
- technology and StoreDot (an Israeli technology company).
- maximum power of 872 bhp (and 900 Nm of torque).
However, there is no indication of how much it will cost. But we can deduce that it will be the most expensive electric car in its range.
Summary table of technical specifications for the 4 electric Polestars
| Model | Type | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Polestar 2 | Electric saloon | - 4 versions available - Recent restyling - Range up to 592 km (WLTP) - Prices from €50,190 to €64,690 |
| Polestar 3 | 7-seater electric SUV | - 3 versions: Long Range Dual Motor, with Performance Pack, and Single Motor - 111 kWh battery - Range up to 631 km (WLTP) - 0-100 km/h in 4.7 s (Performance version) |
| Polestar 4 | Electric SUV coupe | - 2 versions: Long Range Dual Motor and Single Motor - 102 kWh battery - Range up to 600 km (WLTP) - 0-100 km/h in 3.8 s - Starting price: €60,000 |
| Polestar 5 | Electric saloon | - Two electric motors - 800 V architecture - 160 km recovery in 5 minutes of charging - Maximum power: 872 bhp (900 Nm of torque) |
Conclusion
Polestar's imminent arrival on the French market in 2025 is causing quite a stir. keen interest for both car enthusiasts and future owners of premium electric vehicles.
With the announcement of several models expected, Polestar promises to redefine expectations in terms of performance, autonomy and durability. Consumers can expect to see vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technologiessuitable for both urban and suburban use.
This expansion marks a new era for electric mobility in France, with Polestar ready to play a leading role.
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