Polestar is broadening the market appeal of its first mainstream nameplate.
The Swedish electric carmaker will introduce a single-motor version of the Polestar 2 fastback, slashing the entry price into the model lineup by about US$10,000. While the vehicle is bound for Canada, too, pricing there hasn't yet been announced.
The new variant will launch in the United States and Canada in the fourth quarter and will be powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery that delivers 231 hp and an EPA-estimated 260 miles, or about 420 kilometres. The model will start at about US$50,000, including shipping, in the United States, but before federal and state incentives.
The Volvo affiliate late last year began deliveries of the long-range, dual-motor Polestar 2 that features 408 hp and about 240 miles — or 385 kilometres — of driving range. The launch version starts at US$61,200, including shipping, in the United States and C$71,800 in Canada, shipping included.
Next year, Polestar will introduce a customizable version of the fully loaded, dual-motor variant.
Polestar expects to attract more customers to the brand with a mix of performance and driving range options, said Conrad Layson, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions.
The new variant also allows Polestar to lure more price-conscious customers, Layson said.