EV · 0 models
Volvo performance arm spun out as a standalone EV brand in 2017. The 2 sedan, 3 SUV, and 4 fastback represent the Geely-funded electric expansion.
EVPolestar is the Swedish electric vehicle brand spun out of Volvo in 2017, owned by Geely (the Chinese automotive group that also owns Volvo and Lotus). The brand origin is Volvo Polestar racing partner and tuning division, which Volvo bought in 2015 specifically to build a performance sub-brand. After three years as a Volvo sub-brand, Polestar became a standalone EV brand focused on premium electric vehicles. The Polestar 1 (2019-2021) was the launch product, a hybrid coupe with carbon fiber bodywork, around 600 horsepower combined output, and limited production (around 1,500 cars total). The Polestar 2 (2020-present) is the volume product, a five-door fastback sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4. Single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and a Performance Pack option are available. The Polestar 3 (2023-present) is the brand SUV. Built on the same SPA2 platform as the upcoming Volvo EX90, the Polestar 3 competes in the mid-size luxury electric SUV segment. The Polestar 4 (2024-present) is a fastback SUV with rear camera mirrors instead of a rear window. The Polestar 5 (announced for 2025) is a four-door grand tourer competing with the Porsche Taycan. The brand has had financial challenges through 2024, with sales below projections and continued losses. Geely has provided ongoing capital. The Polestar brand has positioned itself as the design-led EV alternative to Tesla, with Scandinavian minimalism, Volvo safety engineering, and Swedish design language. On WhipJury, Polestar submissions are heavy on Polestar 2 sedans (the volume product) and the rare Polestar 1 hybrid coupe. Polestar 3 and 4 submissions are growing as the models age into the used market.
The Polestar 1 launched in 2019 as a halo product. Carbon fiber bodywork over a modified Volvo SPA platform, plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a supercharged 2.0 four-cylinder with electric motors making 619 horsepower combined. Production was limited to around 1,500 cars total over the run, with the model ending in 2021. As a standalone product, the Polestar 1 was meant to establish brand credibility before the volume Polestar 2 launched.
The Polestar 2 is the volume product. Five-door fastback sedan, single-motor or dual-motor configurations, available with various battery sizes. The Polestar 2 BST 270 (limited-edition Performance Pack) was the focused variant. Reviews have praised the chassis dynamics and the build quality (which exceeds the Tesla Model 3 in most areas). Software issues have been a common criticism through the early production years.
Polestar 2 submissions are common. The Polestar 1 is rare but always memorable when posted. Polestar 3 and 4 submissions are growing. The community recognizes Polestar as the design-focused EV alternative; voting tends to reward Performance Pack and BST variants particularly.