2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
We take a look at why you should buy a 2023 Polestar 2, specifically the entry-level, front-wheel drive Long Range Single Motor version.
As a new entry-level model in the Polestar 2 family, the Long Range Single Motor version Polestar 2 was introduced last year, as part of which Polestar has significantly revised the price of its Polestar 2 model and offers all-wheel drive for less than 60,000 US dollars and the guarantee of a fully loaded version topping for around the same price you paid for a base Polestar 2 in 2021.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
As frustrating as it must have been for early Polestar 2 buyers, it was necessary. The first Polestar 2 was way overpriced compared to what you could get in a Tesla Model 3. More importantly, the 2 in its previous form was ineligible for revised federal and provincial EV rebates.
The 2023 Polestar 2 Single Motor starts at $53,950, making it eligible for the maximum amount of any rebate program in Canada. Even if you tick all the boxes, you’ll pay less than $60,000. If you’re in a province that offers its own rebates alongside Canada’s iZEV program incentives, you’ll pay around $50,000 or less for your Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor. In Quebec, the Polestar 2 is eligible for up to $7,000 extra, a $12,000 rebate.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
The Long Range Single Motor version of the Polestar 2 range has a range of 434 kilometers from a 78 kWh battery, the longest range of any Polestar 2 model from 2023. The difference is not that significant given the dual motor versions offer 418 kilometers. The entry-level Polestar 2 is also front-wheel drive and, as the name suggests, has just one motor driving the front axle.
Performance is the most significant difference between this version and the Dual Motor AWD versions. Removing an electric motor reduces power to 231 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque for the single motor version. This corresponds to a 0-100 km/h time of over 7 seconds. Dual Motor AWD versions offer much more penetrating power. Both deliver over 400 hp and reach 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and 4.2 seconds for Dual Motor AWD and Dual Motor AWD with Performance Package.
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You’re paying $5,000 less for a Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor FWD model, but is that enough to justify the drop in performance? If you’re concerned about battery life first, maybe. We’ll look at that below and first look at why you might want to buy a 2023 Polestar 2 Single Motor FWD.
Why should you buy a 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor FWD?
Here we take a look at what the 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor FWD does best and why it’s worth buying.
Unique and different
The Polestar 2 has been around for a few years, but it’s still not a common sight on the roads. While the Tesla Model 3 is now as ordinary as a Honda Civic, the Polestar 2 remains unique and distinctive, giving its owners a vehicle we don’t see every day. You may or may not care, but for anyone looking for a different electric vehicle, the Polestar is essentially the only option left at this price point.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Comfortable ride
The most interesting element of the Polestar 2 is the comfort it offers. Volvo’s DNA and personality shows on the road. The 2 is quiet and does an excellent job of absorbing potholes and bumps in the road, even with the larger wheels. In the interior, the quality of the materials stands out, as does the design of the dashboard. There is a premium feel in the cockpit and once you hit the road the luxury continues.
Compared to the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 looks more luxurious and upscale. It is on par with the BMW i4 in this area and more comfortable on the road than Tesla and BMW.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Decent battery life for the price
The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor 2023 offers you a range of 434 kilometers. That’s more than enough for most buyers. In winter, the range remains over 300 kilometers, which is correct for an electric vehicle in this segment. Plus, the Polestar 2 charges up to 150kW, giving you 80% range in around 35 minutes. You can charge up to 11 kW at home and regain full autonomy in about 8 hours.
In other words, the battery life is attractive and the recharge capacity is good. The front-wheel drive version of the Polestar 2 range excels in both areas, giving EV buyers the freedom they want and the charging options they need.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
traction
A four-wheel drive vehicle always gives you the best performance when you are stuck in a blizzard or driving on snowy or icy roads. However, a front-wheel drive vehicle like the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor with good snow tires will do. We’d stay away from a rear-wheel drive Model 3 or BMW i4 for that long, at least when driving in winter.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Why you shouldn’t buy the 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor FWD
Now let’s look at some reasons why you might not want to buy the single-engine Polestar 2, starting with its performance.
Performance is mediocre at best
The 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor is not a fast electric vehicle. It’s not even as fast as some regular gas-powered compact sedans. The 231 horsepower under your right foot seems to be asleep most of the time, a stark contrast to most EVs, which jump forward without hesitation under acceleration. Not only is the single motor version slow compared to the dual motor versions; it’s slow compared to a Chevy Bolt or Hyundai IONIQ 5. You’d rightly want a more dynamic EV for what you’re paying.
The performance of the single-motor version is even more disappointing when you consider that for $5,000 more you can get a 408-horsepower Polestar 2 that hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. This brings us to our second point.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Not enough savings over AWD versions
The price difference between the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor FWD and the AWD versions offered by Polestar is not big enough. Not only is the entry-level model severely lacking in performance, you’re only $5,000 away from the added stability, confidence and driving pleasure of four-wheel drive. Ultimately, the single-engine version is slow, and if you’re stuck on a climb in February you’ll no doubt wonder why you didn’t shell out the extra cash.
Frustrating infotainment system
This point applies to all Polestar 2 models. The infotainment system is based on Volvo multimedia technology and, like all Volvo models, is frustrating and difficult to use. Even once you’ve gotten used to where everything is, you still have to navigate multiple menus to customize features you use every day, like air conditioning and audio. In addition, it is impossible to operate the system with gloves in winter. Overall, the focus is on style far ahead of usability.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Tight interior
The Polestar 2 offers decent space up front, but the rear seats are cramped and definitely not suitable for child seats. The low roofline makes getting in and out unsafe, and there’s little legroom for teens or adults. Despite its decent cargo space, the Polestar 2 is not a family vehicle.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Conclusion
The Polestar 2 2023 has a lot going for it, but most of the advantages of this model can be found in the 4WD versions. The entry-level single engine offers neither enough financial incentive nor enough extra range to justify the trade-offs in performance and winter stability.
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme
2022 Polestar 2 Endurance Single Motor | Photo: Olivier Delorme