Specifically, the disappointing range and the early recall.
The all-new Polestar 2 is arguably the most direct rival to the hot-selling Tesla Model 3. However, the Polestar has received a few recent strikes against it. For starters, every single example has been recalled due to a software glitch that could cause the EV to lose power while driving. And more recently, the EPA announced the 2's official estimated range is just 233 miles. The Model 3 Standard Range has a 250-mile range. That mileage difference can understandably be a problem for potential 2 customers, so what does Polestar's CEO have to say about all of this?
TechCrunch recently asked Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath and he believes owners will see better real-world driving results than what's been estimated.
"We know what the car does in reality," Ingenlath said. "We know in reality, what might look like a very big difference, is not that much of a difference in real life," Ingenlath explained. "We think it's definitely sufficient for day-to-day life as an EV. It's one of our versions, and we will be adding different variants to the Polestar 2 that will have a higher EPA [rating]. I think [the range] is absolutely in the ballpark of competing EVs that is really good for you 365 days a year."
However, Ingenlath admitted Polestar won't beat Tesla when it comes to specific range figures, but would rather be judged by direct real-world comparisons. Fortunately, a long-range single motor Polestar 2 will arrive in 2021. It will also sport some software improvements "that will give more efficiency with the same kilowatt-hours battery."
As for the recall, Ingenlath admitted the power loss occurred "in very, very rare cases" out of a total of just 2,200 examples already on the market. Furthermore, none of the affected cars were in the US, nor did any accidents occur. "We are a startup that's fresh out. And of course, you cannot expect everything to go smoothly."
But never let a crisis go to waste. Polestar intends to use the recall to show off its excellent customer service. While there is a short-term inconvenience for owners, they're seeing first-hand that Polestar intends to take good care of them for years to come.
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