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Polestar: the Sino-Swedish brand arrives in France in force
In 1998, the high-end electric vehicle brand Polestar was born and waited several years before being acquired by Volvo, part of the Chinese Geely group, in 2015.
In the past, Polestar played for Volvo the same role as AMG for Mercedes-Benz a specialized in sporty versions. In 2019, the idea of converting it into a manufacturer of electric vehicles made in China emerged, coming to competition with American giant Tesla. The proof: 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 over a logo plagiarismthe 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.
First, we have the Covid-19 pandemicpandemic, which paralyzed the entire world. Secondly, a major obstacle delayed the brand's launch in 2019: the similarities between its logo and that of Citroën. similarities between its logo and that of Citroën.
Indeed, the Polestar symbol is meant to evoke thePolar Star. But a slight turn of the steering wheel reveals 2 chevrons meeting in the center.
A design deemed too similar to Citroën's chevrons, which took Polestar to court for :
- counterfeiting,
- and brand damage.
At the time, the Paris judicial court rejected the plagiarism charge, but accepted that of trademark infringement. This decision obliged Polestar to to pay Citroën €150,000 in compensation..
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 well-thought-out 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 aging one at that. To arouse interest, you need regular new products."
The unblocking of the situation is due to the launch of :
- a restyling of the Polestar 2,
- from electric SUV Polestar 3,
- of the electric crossover Polestar 4 in 2024,
- but also the electric sedan Polestar 5 in 2025.
This will enable Polestar to approach the French market with an attractive, comprehensive offering.
💡Did you know? Geely didn't pay as much attention to the other European markets (Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy) because Polestar identifies France as the second-largest European market in terms of volume for electric vehicles, just behind Germany.
However, Polestar's arrival in France in a delicate context, faced with financial financial difficulties that 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% decline in the 4ᵉ quarter of 2023.
"Expanding our retail operations with new and existing partners will enable us to reach more customers."
But that's not all: potential taxes on Chinese cars by the United States and Europe are likely to disrupt Polestar's expansion strategy.s expansion strategy, which must imperatively increase sales.
Findout more: Tax on Chinese electric cars: the impact on Europe
Models available in France from 2025
As previously stated, Polestar is focused on preparing preparation of a complete rangeplanned for 2025, according to Challenges. Indeed, while the Polestar 1 has served as the automaker's flagship vehicle, 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 crossover are planned for this year. They will be joined by a sedan, 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 sedan launched in 2019 has been given a facelift.
The modifications focused on technical improvementsincluding increased power andrange, as 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.
💡Good to know : This particular sedan 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 some of the changes made to the Long Range Dual Motor 4-wheel drive version, as well as some of its technical specifications:
- New rims,
- New battery 82 kWh,
- Induction charger for phone,
- 0 to 100 km/h in approx. 4.5 seconds,
- New engine 421 hp for 740 torque,
- New maximum charging capacity of 205 kW,
- New range of 592 km in WLTP cycle for this version,
To consult : WLTP, CLTC, EPA...: standards for determining the range of electric vehicles
- Incorporation of a SmartZone (an area of the 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 prices should therefore be equivalent.
Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 7-seater SUV 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-mounted battery, guaranteeing a stable, responsive car.
At the time of its release, the Polestar 3 offered 2 4-wheel drive variants:
- the version Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack
- 517 chevaux,
- 111 kWh battery,
- Transmission all-wheel drive,
- 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds,
- 561 km range according to the WLTP cycle,
- Fast charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
- and the Long Range Dual Motor :
- 489 chevaux,
- All-wheel drive,
- 111 kWh battery,
- 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds,
- Maximum speed of 210 km/h,
- 631 km range according to the WLTP cycle,
- Fast charge from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
From now on, this SUV will be available in 2024 as a Long Range Single Motor with a single rear-wheel drive unit.
The engine planned for this model, inherited from the 4×4 models, is rated at 180 kWequivalent to 245 hp. At the same time, the 111 kWh battery battery would be shared, giving this rear-wheel drive version a longer range. However, no information has yet been released, and pricing remains undetermined.
Polestar 4
First unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show 2023, the new Polestar 4 once again enriches the Swedish manufacturer's offering. This model, Polestar's only innovation of 2024, enters the electric SUV coupe 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 variants:
- Long Range Dual Motor
- 102 kWh battery,
- 560 km range on WLTP cycle,
- Power output of 400 kW (544 hp) and torque of 686 Nm
- Long Range Single Motor
- 102 kWh battery,
- 600 km range on WLTP cycle
- Power output of 200 kW (272 hp) and torque of 373 Nm
A notable feature of the Swedish SUV is the absence of a rear window.rear window, but also its bi-directionalV2L"(Vehicle-to-Load) charging system, which uses the vehicle's battery to supply power to external devices.
To consult : V2G, V2L, V2X: what are they and what are they for?
Polestar has announced a starting price of €60,000 for the basic Polestar 4. However, it faces stiff competition, notably from the Tesla Model Y Grande Autonomie, priced at €51,990.
Read more : Tesla Model Y 2024: the Propulsion Grande Autonomie version arrives in France
Polestar 5
According to the manufacturer, the Polestar 5 is no ordinary concept car, since it reflects its aspirations in terms of :
- design,
- technology,
- and durability.
Planned for 2025, the Polestar 5 is a tall, sleek electric sedan aiming to outdo the Porsche Taycan but also to rival the Lotus Eletre and the Tesla Model S Plaid.
Read more : Lotus Eletre: the new 100% electric hyper SUV
In mid-November 2023, Polestar organized a presentation event in Los Angeles, entitled the " Polestar Day "to present new products and future models.
Inspired by its Polestar Precept, the Polestar 5 will be similar to this innovative concept car without many adjustments. In fact, it will incorporate improvements and innovations tested in other concept cars.
Although we don't have much information about this electric sedan, the automaker indicated several technical characteristics of this electric car in question at this event, such as:
- the presence of 2 electric motors,
- recovery of 160 km of range in 5 minutes of fast charging thanks to :
- 800 V architecture,
- and technology from StoreDot (an Israeli technology company).
- maximum power of 872 hp (and 900 Nm of torque).
However, there's no indication of how much it will cost. But we can deduce that it will be the most expensive electric car in its range.
Tableau récapitulatif des caractéristiques techniques des 4 Polestar électriques
| Model | Type | Caractéristiques principales |
|---|---|---|
| Polestar 2 | Electric sedan | - 4 versions disponibles - Restylage récent - Autonomie jusqu'à 592 km (WLTP) - Prix de 50 190 € à 64 690 € |
| Polestar 3 | SUV 7 places électrique | - 3 versions : Long Range Dual Motor, avec Pack Performance, et Single Motor - Batterie de 111 kWh - Autonomie jusqu'à 631 km (WLTP) - 0-100 km/h en 4,7 s (version Performance) |
| Polestar 4 | SUV coupé électrique | - 2 versions : Long Range Dual Motor et Single Motor - Batterie de 102 kWh - Autonomie jusqu'à 600 km (WLTP) - 0-100 km/h en 3,8 s - Prix de départ : 60 000 € |
| Polestar 5 | Electric sedan | - Deux moteurs électriques - Architecture 800 V - Récupération de 160 km en 5 min de charge - Puissance maximale de 872 ch (900 Nm de couple) |
Conclusion
Polestar's imminent arrival on the French market in 2025 is arousing great keen interest and future owners of premium electric vehicles.
With the announcement of several expected models, Polestar promises to redefine expectations in terms of performance, autonomy and durability.. Consumers can look forward to 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.
