Volvo’s electric dream becoming a reality with Polestar.

Volvo promised that by 2019 every car it launched would have an electric motor. A pretty big statement at the time, but one they are starting to action. Starting with the Polestar 1. The 592bhp machine will be available from next year, but Volvo are taking pre-orders now.

Launching the car under a new brand feels like a great move. Polestar, with its exciting sporty connection with Volvo suggest these aren’t going to be practical hybrids. 0-62 in between 3-4 seconds, and that styling, it all becomes very clear. A great gaping grill, slick lines and chunky wheels make this feel more like a Swedish Mustang. It looks great, as does the whole Volvo lineup from the last 12 months to be fair.

Hats off to the design department, they are killing it.

Swedish Mustang? Image courtesy of https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/polestar/polestar-electric-coupe-unveiled-in-pictures/

Swedish Mustang? Image courtesy of https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/polestar/polestar-electric-coupe-unveiled-in-pictures/

Polestar are looking to be Volvo’s “technological spearhead” going forward. Beyond the Polestar 1 they are looking to only produce all-electric performance cars. With a good few in the pipeline already. The exclusivity of a side brand with sporting heritage is likely to perk potential customers' interest. And it looks to me like Volvo are getting the jump on a few rivals with this move.

The car itself is looking like it's going to cost upwards of £100k, and you're going to have to part with around £2200 to ensure you get your hands on one. And did I mention it's currently only going to be available in LHD? Yeah. But interest in the 1 is still rising. Polestar have already increased the availability to 18 countries following popular demand. They are also going on a world tour to drive interest further - so I’m expecting interest to keep rising.

Bear in mind that only 500 of these cars will be made available at launch. So a great car with tons of positives, but extremely exclusive. Automotive manufacturers like Volvo, Jaguar and Tesla are doing a great job of pushing electric motors and hybrids. But until they become affordable to the masses are we going to see any kind of big move away from petrol/diesel engines?