Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor

Overview

A sharply styled Swedish electric liftback aiming to give rivals like the Tesla Model 3 a serious run for their money. The 2022 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor, though now discontinued and its original new price not listed here, represented the entry point to Polestar's cool EV experience. On the used market, you might snag one for around €24,900. It focused on delivering core Polestar attributes like minimalist design and engaging dynamics, packing a decent punch for its class and offering a compelling blend of style and substance.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the Polestar 2 line-up, including the Standard Range Single Motor, received subtle but neat updates. Buyers could pick from new exterior colours and fresh alloy wheel designs. More importantly, Polestar implemented some efficiency tweaks, meaning this front-wheel-drive variant could squeeze a tad more distance from its battery. The Android Automotive OS, a standout feature, continued to benefit from over-the-air updates, enhancing usability and adding new functionalities. While not a massive overhaul, these refinements helped keep this stylish Swede feeling fresh and competitive in the European market.

Design & Exterior

The Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor rocks that signature cool, minimalist Scandinavian design. It’s a handsome liftback, measuring 4606 mm long, 1859 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1482 mm tall, giving it a purposeful, squat stance. You get those distinctive 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running lights up front and a full-width rear light bar that looks mega at night. Frameless wing mirrors add a touch of class, and while it might not scream for attention, its chiselled lines and clean surfaces give it a sophisticated road presence, usually rolling on 19-inch alloys.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor impresses with its clean, often vegan-friendly interior and solid build quality. You get a commanding 11.15-inch central touchscreen running Android Automotive – Google Maps and Assistant built-in, slick! – plus a 12.3-inch digital driver display. Space for 5 is claimed, though it’s comfier for four adults. Cargo-wise, there’s a practical 405-litre boot, expanding to a useful 1095 litres with seats down, plus a handy 35-litre frunk up front, perfect for stashing charging cables or a small bag.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Polestar 2 variant, with its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), sends 165 kW and 330 Nm of torque to the front wheels. It’ll zip from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. While not as electrifying as its dual-motor siblings, it offers brisk, smooth acceleration perfect for city driving and confident motorway cruising. The ride is typically composed, offering a good balance of comfort and agility, and the one-pedal driving mode for regenerative braking is exceptionally well-calibrated for a smooth experience.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Standard Range Single Motor packs a 61 kWh usable battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range estimate of around 376 km from this, achieving an efficiency of 6.16 km/kWh. For home top-ups, its standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery from empty in about 6-7 hours. When you're on the move, it supports DC fast charging at up to 136 kW via its European-standard CCS Type 2 port. This means a typical 10-80% charge can be zapped in around 30-35 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a Polestar hallmark, and the 2 proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Standard Range Single Motor came generously equipped with standard safety kit, including Autonomous Emergency Braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Road Sign Information. While more advanced features like Pilot Assist (adaptive cruise with steering), a 360-degree camera, and Blind Spot Information System were typically part of an optional 'Pilot Pack', the core safety provision was already comprehensive, giving you peace of mind on every journey.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Polestar has your back with a solid warranty package. In Europe, you'd typically get a 3-year/100,000 km warranty on the car itself, which is pretty standard stuff. The all-important battery gets an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, promising it’ll keep at least 70% of its original pep. Some launch offers or regional deals might have thrown in a couple of years of free servicing too, which is always a nice touch. With fewer moving parts than a petrol car and handy over-the-air updates, long-term ownership should be relatively fuss-free.