Photo: Porsche / edited
Developed with Chinese automaker Geely's financial backing, the Polestar 2 has been hit with a recall affecting three vehicles produced for the 2023 model year. As it happens, the front left lower ball joint might have been incorrectly installed, therefore allowing the control arm to disconnect from the steering knuckle.
It's pretty obvious that a loss of steering increases the risk of a crash, isn't it? Dealers have been instructed to inspect the ball joint's fastening bolt, and – if necessary – replace it at no charge to the customer. Mailed notifications will be sent to owners no later than August 30. In the meantime, said owners are recommended to either contact Polestar customer service or use the NHTSA's VIN look-up tool to confirm whether their 2023 model year vehicles are indeed recalled or not.
In production since 2020, the Polestar 2 comes exclusively from China. Based on the Compact Modular Architecture of the Volvo XC40 and electric-only C40, the liftback sedan was designed to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3. But alas, the Polestar is a wee bit more expensive at $49,900 for the Long Range Single Motor RWD version as opposed to $40,240 for the Model 3's Standard Range Single Motor RWD.
At press time, the most basic specification available to configure in the United States of America is listed with 320 miles (515 kilometers) of driving range. Delivery is estimated for September 2023. The rear-drive 2 is new for 2024. As you're well aware, it used to be front-wheel drive prior to the 2024 model year. Step up to the Long Range Dual Motor AWD, and you're looking at $55,300 before fees. This version may be faster to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour; 4.3 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds), but it's also worse in terms of driving range (276 miles or 444 kilometers EPA combined).
It's also worth noting that a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 with a larger battery comes in at $47,240. Or $53,240 for the go-faster Performance version. Obviously enough, Polestar doesn't have a Model 3 Performance-matching 2 in the lineup. That's a bit of a shame, more so if you remember that Volvo spun off Polestar into its own thing to create an electrified performance brand.
Polestar also plays second fiddle in regard to sales, with the Sino-Swedish company reporting 12,000 deliveries in the first quarter and 15,800 deliveries in the second quarter of 2023. Tesla, on the other hand, reported 412,180 deliveries in the first quarter and 446,915 deliveries in the second quarter for the 3 and Y. Given these circumstances, Polestar needs to up its game big time in the coming years to put a dent into the American automaker's dominance in the EV segment.
In production since 2020, the Polestar 2 comes exclusively from China. Based on the Compact Modular Architecture of the Volvo XC40 and electric-only C40, the liftback sedan was designed to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3. But alas, the Polestar is a wee bit more expensive at $49,900 for the Long Range Single Motor RWD version as opposed to $40,240 for the Model 3's Standard Range Single Motor RWD.
At press time, the most basic specification available to configure in the United States of America is listed with 320 miles (515 kilometers) of driving range. Delivery is estimated for September 2023. The rear-drive 2 is new for 2024. As you're well aware, it used to be front-wheel drive prior to the 2024 model year. Step up to the Long Range Dual Motor AWD, and you're looking at $55,300 before fees. This version may be faster to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour; 4.3 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds), but it's also worse in terms of driving range (276 miles or 444 kilometers EPA combined).
It's also worth noting that a dual-motor Tesla Model 3 with a larger battery comes in at $47,240. Or $53,240 for the go-faster Performance version. Obviously enough, Polestar doesn't have a Model 3 Performance-matching 2 in the lineup. That's a bit of a shame, more so if you remember that Volvo spun off Polestar into its own thing to create an electrified performance brand.
Polestar also plays second fiddle in regard to sales, with the Sino-Swedish company reporting 12,000 deliveries in the first quarter and 15,800 deliveries in the second quarter of 2023. Tesla, on the other hand, reported 412,180 deliveries in the first quarter and 446,915 deliveries in the second quarter for the 3 and Y. Given these circumstances, Polestar needs to up its game big time in the coming years to put a dent into the American automaker's dominance in the EV segment.
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