Polestar 2 Updated real world range test, charging speed, Pilot Assist demo v Tesla Autopilot review

#polestar #polestar2
Electric cars can be improved with updated software.
Last time I range tested a Polestar I wasn’t impressed but since the February 2021 software release it should be better.
I get a chance to test it again in real world use conditions, plus show how fast it can recharge. Is it better? Can it get further than 200 miles this time?
But why doesn’t it navigate me to a fast charger? 50kw isn’t enough for what this can use!
Also on this day I get the chance to demonstrate Polestar PilotAssist - how does it work? What does it do if you ignore it? Does it compare to Tesla Autopilot?
I’m left more impressed the more I live with the Polestar. It’s a fantastic car even with a couple of little niggles and despite the fact it isn’t as efficient as I would like it to be.
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[@kanyinsolasoyebo]

New subscriber here! Just watched your video with Matt from Carwow! Glad you won the race in the Audi.

[@tomattime]

Another excellent review,, worthy of a pole, I mean gold, star

[@justinfletcher1882]

Classy gag

[@Auraxium]

“You can see my boobs wobbling” 😂 great way to explain how firm the suspension is!

[@coolsquad7428]

You can make it much softer as the dealership presets the suspension settings

[@FrozenDung]

This car looks beautiful and understated which is great IMO

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Much reduced superfluous styling compared to the Mach E. But the gold seatbelts? 🤔

[@phillipallen7815]

Once again Richard good video of polestar 2 I do like it myself philipallen

[@bazs7669]

Very insightful video, thanks

[@moo4rich]

Great review. I have the same issue with suggested charging points with my I-Pace. I think this software is as if not more important than range. When I change this will be a feature I want to work well so not having to resort to phone apps.

[@SDK2006b]

A couple of points - The suspension is adjustable on the Perf Pack so it’s possible to make it softer/harder depending on your preference. - The charging points you showed when you mentioned about the Shell recharge point. The red dots on the map showed this - you just needed to scroll down on the screen charging list to show it.

[@MrDead1975]

who wants to be crawling around under their car manually adjusting suspension dampers? no idea why they just didn't use electronically adjustable ones

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@MrDead1975 Agree. That was a bad idea. The regular Polestar 2 I test drove had a nice, firmly damped suspension. But I wouldn't want to go much firmer than the standard car.

[@MeBeingHimself]

Richard, great video and thanks for the Polestar Update. I was lucky enough to be a 1 of many winners of a day with Polestar down at Farnborough air ground, via the 'Fully Charged' channel, where as you can probably guess, driving the Polestar 2 around. This was back in October. Having had various test drives with Tesla, don't get me wrong, I love the cars, there was something about the polestar, probably the simple fact that its a hatchback, and need I say, us Brits do love 'em. As my understanding of Polestar/Tesla grew, started to notice more and more videos focus (and rightly so) on charging speeds, which, if not all of us looking at buy and EV, are probably more concerned/interested in. Need I say, despite my preference of owning a Polestar over Tesla, the charging speeds COULD BE BETTER, but not quite Tesla speeds. To be perfectly honest, I wished Polestar would take a leaf out of Audi's book and cane-it, as you're Audi reviews have proved, are probably superior in changing, even over a Tesla. I would so love one, but what holding me back is the crazy 'drop-off' in charging speed, too soon. The car you were driving in this video, is it an absolute recent vehicle and new in the last couple of week or...??? The reason I say this, you mentioned and disliked the fact that the router planner via google maps highlighted low speed charges.... fair enough, but back on March 30th, Polestar & ABetterRoutePlanner formed a partnership and you can now use the BetterRoutePlanner app, free as part of Polestar's initial 3 years offering. if you could have done, why didn't you select to use that instead. The app would have picked tons more charges and provided all the details you needed to know about charging speeds. I believe you can set the min/max charging speed required as part of ABetterRouterPlanner's criteria. FYI - I learned of ABRP app via 'NowYouKnow' channel wih Zac/Jesse, who highlighted to this new feature in Poletstar 2 cars. Maybe, if you've not fed up of Polestars, perform another 'Real World' test, but this time using ABRP app. Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't Poletstar just win the 'Best All Rounder' EV for 2021, so I heard recently, but can't recall??? Thanks for you valuable time and effort, love the material, here's to the next one!!!!

[@justinfletcher1882]

Great review. Thank you!!

[@STRampo500]

Hi have you tested the updated the polestar 2? im looking at one compared to the model 3 highland as it works out much cheaper so wondered what you thought.

[@orienteqbano]

Lets grow the channel. I value your videos and opinions

[@berthogendoorn2133]

Yes please adjust those dampers would be very interesting to see the ride quality after the fact, and if the handling gets affected substantially, will keep watching!!!

[@madonemt]

Me and the Mrs are both Tesla shareholders and fans. Would have loved a model 3 but there are a few issues. First is Tesla's PCP offering. 10k miles minimum. We don't need such a large amount of miles. Not a dealbreaker as you get that back at the end of the PCP, but results in higher monthly payments. Bigger issue is insurance which killed the deal for us. £3k to insure the Mrs on an SR! Test drove an SR PS2 with 20 inch wheels. Ordered one but with 19 inch wheels for comfort and efficiency. Don't need the range as get by with our LEAF 40 fine. Added plus and pilot packs, and also our favourite colour, rubber mats for winter although it does come with fabric mats. I also liked that I can add bells and whistles to the standard range car which I can't do with Tesla. would happily add the kit in the LR version but I don't need the range. Makes no sense to haul around extra mass for no reason. It's a great option for those with insurance issues, binnacle withdrawal syndrome, or those who don't need supercharger access. Tech wise its the only car to come close to Tesla, and a good consideration for anyone stepping away from ICE cars.

[@ProfRCook]

The Teslas have a significantly lower coefficient of drag, so they'll always be more efficient. The larger rims and wider tires of the Polestar 2 Performance are also less efficient. I drive a Polestar 2 Performance and love it. Range and charging speeds aren't as good as the Tesla, but it hasn't been a problem for me.

[@sandersson2813]

Just out of interest can you tell me what you are getting mileage wise and how this differs in colder weather?

[@johnmackay5288]

Maybe I missed something..you did 148 miles and had 25% left. 148 divided by 75=1.97. 1.97 x 100=197.3 range. I think you divided by 65?

[@RSEV]

I started at 90%… sorry the overlay for that must have been missed off the edit 🤦‍♂️

[@chrisgreaves5643]

Typically interesting video. You’ve really created a great niche here Richard - you’ve become the British Teslabjorn - ABC = A Bjorn Competitor?

[@SirHackaL0t.]

FYI, The Tesla autopilot can be reactivated by putting the car into park. No need to get out or lock the vehicle - just put it in park and back into Drive.

[@maxgreece1]

What sort of price are these in the UK, as spec'ed here? The range seems similar to the SR+ with performance more like the Long Range so in comparison to those 2 would be interesting.

[@RSEV]

Polestar £50k so same as model 3 LR. Sr is jsut over £40k. There’s a video we help carwow with comparing sr, Lr and polestar. Search carwow channel and you’ll see c

[@CarFinanceSimplified]

I almost went Polestar but they’ve recently put the prices up and for the same spec as the launch version it’s now about £3k over the Tesla Model 3 LR so I went with one of those!

[@simonhackett4471]

I really like it. I had a Polestar 2 for an overnight test drive, non performance version. Still handles well enough and was comfortable enough. I like the minimal approach inside and out. I only got to test charge it on a 50kw that I had to share, so only got 36kwh but that wasn't the cars fault. Based on what you have shown there it could charge better. But the interior space up the front, is a no go for me. A long trip would be just to cramped in it. Pity!

[@berthogendoorn2133]

I think that once the Canadian revised version with heat Pump option comes out (I checked with Polestar Canada and that option should be available in July this year), it would likely be a very good candidate for a mid to upper level EV!

[@ronb4633]

Richard, have you driven the Taycan yet. If one has the means, I think it’s a fabulous road trip EV.

[@burtonyan8467]

I don't like how it's so much less efficient than the Model 3, such a shame too, it's a great looking car.

[@pasad335]

Are those gold valve stem caps or are the caps missing? Gold caps wouldn't last a day around here before somebody nicked 'em.

[@ProfRCook]

Nobody has taken mine yet. 5000 miles.

[@simonsweeney5708]

Great review 👍

[@teddcoles]

What’s the top speed?

[@derekailes8284]

Do you feel it is a bit of an SUV rather than saloon car. Have you heard anything about the new BMW i4 being released end of the year

[@RSEV]

It’s no SUV for interior space

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Not at all. It's a fastback sedan that has maybe an inch more ground clearance than most sedans. It's not very big or tall. The way to tell is put it next to an XC40, its sister car (the basis of this car is the Volvo Concept 40.2 where the XC40 is the Concept 40.1). The XC40 towers over the Polestar 2. It's not a tall vehicle.

[@madonemt]

@@benjaminsmith2287 its actually shorter than my leaf, narrower too, but longer.

[@yordaman1]

Hi, Richard. Great video, as always. My question……I really want to understand how kWh, charging rates, efficiency, etc., work before I commit to an EV, and I have to admit I’m a bit dim on this just now. What would recommend for someone who wants to learn more about how the EV power works, please? Thanks.

[@paulcarnall791]

Hi , I'm a member of the Yorkshire EV club on Facebook. They have over 600 members. They also have spreadsheets that help you out on understanding the difference between kWh and KW. You don't have to live in Yorkshire and we will not force you to buy a whippet n flat cap. 😂. I'm on my 3rd leaf and my wife has a 2013 Zoe. So join us and I will help you out as much as I can . 👍🔌🔌

[@chrisrowe22]

Have a look at Plug Life Television KZbin channel for some good explanations.

[@casperhansen826]

I recommend you to be a member of a BEV group on facebook for your country or area, when you know which brands you could be interested in you should be a member of the brands and models as well. You can probably find a group for polestar 2 for your country. E.g. Polestar EV UK if you are from UK.

[@yordaman1]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

[@peteglass3496]

Have a look at the various help pages on the Zap-Map website and perhaps NextGreenCar. You can find the specs of all EVs on the market and shortly forthcoming on EVdatabase. There are other good ones elsewhere.

[@Lolo-uk4rb]

Ow boy, I thought the UK had km/h officially for car speed etc 😅 PS; Sorry for my weird English grammar.

[@geirthorsen6781]

Which interior is this?

[@lee_carter]

Excellent video, intrigued to follow the Polestar journey as I've shortlisted this between that the model 3 when I switch. Still not convinced despite being a long standing Volvo fan. Tesla seems like it is still ahead in the game.

[@RSEV]

Have you seen our other polestar v Tesla video for some further and more direct comparisons?

[@lee_carter]

@@RSEV, sure have ... I regularly follow the channel and find it really informative. Thanks for the great content you create :)

[@fibreguy1971]

You need to drive them both yourself. I did and chose the polestar2. I value comfort and build quality over pure tech. I have never had range anxiety or worried about charging.

[@lee_carter]

@@fibreguy1971 Thanks, thanks my plan. I also like the new XC40 recharge as well so lots to consider.

[@Jjengering]

@@lee_carter what did you go for in the end? I honestly can't tell you how valuable the supercharger network is on a long trip, owners will only over get stumped when they go for a long trip and realise how rubbish having 1 stall is and it could be in use or not working. Honestly for this alone it's tesla for me... And that's what I ended up with, plus the build quality from the china factory is outstanding.

[@mig21m13]

Review done by Tesla boy .... very relevant ....

[@farfromsensibletv]

It seems like the car might have had the recharge on the rest of the charger list (3 are just the first to show) but your point still stands

[@madonemt]

im hoping that future functionality will allow a filter within google maps to stick with those over 100kW, similar to zap map.

[@jonathantaylor1998]

I love your side-by-side comparisons, too - especially when you compare vehicle charging times - so, yes, more of the same, please. And, if you do / did have the time to slacken off those Ohlins dampers on the Polestar and re-run your journey, an update on that would be excellent, too - perhaps that would make all the difference and give you both style and comfort. Finally, though, I had to double-take when you were testing the adaptive cruise-control. You came up behind the truck "which will only be doing 56mph - that's the speed limit here in the UK for them"...???? I think someone better tell truckers the length & breadth of the country, then - either that or my Leaf speedometer is reading about 12 mph TOO FAST...!! Ha Ha... :-0

[@mtumasz]

Our reliance on google maps is gonna cost us dearly in the long run. It’s not just chargers that have patchy coverage. Public transport info is hit or miss at best

[@SDK2006b]

The Shell charger was shown on the map by a red dot, he just needed to scroll down the charging list to see it.

[@jcmylesnow]

How much did the charge cost at Shell

[@SDK2006b]

He said £10

[@everusualsuspect]

@@SDK2006b £10 for not a lot of miles is a bit worryingly expensive, isn't it?

[@SDK2006b]

@@everusualsuspect - £10 for about 200 miles is cheap, only about 5p per mile. Diesel/petrol cars operate around 12p mile, assuming 50mpg average consumption.

[@everusualsuspect]

@@SDK2006b I was hoping for better though. My current car does 55-60. 65 on a long trip. Are we still going to get ripped off for refuelling on the motorway?

[@AdamT19931]

@@SDK2006b Didn't he only add around 75 miles though? So £10 for 75 miles is ridiculously expensive in my opinion.

[@Matttski]

10 quid for 70 miles? thats more expensive than diesel or even petrol

[@madonemt]

yes, but not when you average it out together with what it costs to charge at home.....which is where the majority of charging takes place.

[@christopherburnham1612]

Who builds polstars

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Volvo. At this point, Polestars are modified Volvos. They're made in Volvo and Geely factories in China and Polestar will make the 3 in the USA in a Volvo/Polestar factory.

[@mikesmith1702]

10 pounds to fill 1/3 is about $14 USD so $42 for a complete charge... so given a 10 gallon tank...similar ICE would fill up for $58 ....good but not great

[@madonemt]

most refuelling is done at home. public charging is for longer journeys. on a 500 mile round trip 250 miles could be purchased for as little as 5p/kWh or even free if you have solar. its only the return leg you would have to pay a premium for. Day to day driving in and around your home would almost all be at the home rate. I spend around £10-20 a year in public charging. The rest of the time it works out at between 1 and 2p per mile.

[@spikebmth]

Great real world review, software updates are the way forward for every EV. Lane keep assist similar to the Kona's. Telsa's mapping with the supercharge network real time is amazing, shame most others in-car charge point database is so out of date. Can you give efficiencies in miles/kwh as well please?!

[@LysanderLH]

Everything is compared with Teslas and mostly the 3. That, to me, says ‘get a model 3’.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

On youtube, maybe. In real life, I'm not so sure.

[@weeblewonder]

As someone looking to get a Tesla in a few months (largely because of no better option rather than being a fan boy), I generally like this car, the exterior is nice, interior - I like the display behind the wheel rather than only having the one central display on the dash. BUT that center console just eating up so much of the front space, being so high, feels so claustrophobic. And as mentioned in the video, basically no room to stretch your legs, it feels like this would be hell on a long drive. That one design decision struck this car of the list of potential options for me.

[@madonemt]

i ordered one but agree. bit of a bodge when it comes to cup holders too.

[@samueld6511]

It doesn’t charge slower than a Tesla model 3 actually it’s faster on average but the changing curve is so weird in the PS2, it goes up and down a lot. The Tesla is more efficient though.

[@RSEV]

Tesla model 3 most certainly charges faster I’m afraid. Been an owner of them for a long time

[@samueld6511]

@@RSEVI saw these two videos a while back. The polestar charges faster, one minute in total time more but more in kwh. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKjIpH2GfK18hac kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWeummmEfr1ojtE Needless to say they are quite similar when it comes to charging

[@johnmackay5288]

My mistake, thanks.

[@aidanapword]

At 5:11 ... what no "Audi mode" ... eek ... all those who won't be buying this car!

[@putthegundownkinkade]

I’d love to get your take on the hatchback boor vs the M3 boot for real world practicality and size

[@eddie5582]

75 miles for a tenner top up is shocking value for money.

[@Matttski]

indeed. you could get much better quipped ICE car for less and still pay less for fuel

[@madonemt]

@@Matttski but you don't do regular fill ups at rapids, they are for longer journeys beyond the range of the car. I currently pay 5p/kWh off peak to charge (1-2p per mile). This will shortly drop even lower when my solar panels are fitted. Can't beat free fuel!

[@Glyn001]

Great video great car just not quite a model 3

[@fibreguy1971]

And that is why I bought one. Many people don't want a tesla they want a more ice like car and with extra quality.

[@shoukeechen2854]

That is also the reason Wayne i bouth a p2, much more care en drive much better than m3

[@sandersson2813]

Good, the Tesla is boring looking, has poor build quality, dreary interior and everyone who buys one is giving money to that wanker Elon Musk. I'd take a Polestar every single day.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

And that's a good thing. Not that the Tesla 3 is bad in any way. But this is a different take on an EV sedan. An alternative. If it was too much like the Tesla 3 it would just be a copy.

[@Ianmundo]

great car but it’s at well over 2 tons it’s so so heavy, weighs the same as a Tesla Model 3 plus 5 adults! As a result of the weight, even though it has a good-sized battery, the range is not good.

[@TheJAMF]

5:25 All the BMW and Audi drivers going "Pshh, half a car length is enough... and we don't need an indicator." Mr. Musk, if you want to use "the best part is no part" rule, save a few bob on BMW and Audi drivers and remove indicators.

[@tonyn3227]

its a nice car but unfortunately its not very efficant, even with upodate , its too bad

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Love the look (best of the legacy cars???) Nice *looking* interior. Seems let down the the battery/ management (/drive?) systems at the moment, compromising range, charging and interior packing. *Potential* to be close to Tesla. 6.5/10

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[@MidniteSan]

With current battery tech, if its not solid state tech or better, I don't even wanna be seen in any e-car. Not worth my mental health 😁, having distance anxiety is like holding in diarrhea in traffic.

[@indomitablereasoning2875]

Tesla rat, focus on what this car is better engineering quality and true premium ALL put together, PERIOD!!! Tesla is only now 4 car's later learning in CHINA and let's hope in Germany because in USA is a sloppy circus for ZOMBIES fans.

[@Lecruque]

Very interesting channel. One suggestion: better articulation. You speak kinda fast and have a slight accent which makes it harder for non-english speakers to follow.

[@RSEV]

Learning to balance. I’m only amateur 💁‍♂️ You have to speak faster than normal on camera I think… seems more boring otherwise. Things seem to slow down!

[@Lecruque]

@@RSEV good job nonetheless!

[@bjmullan]

First test drive with jogger nipples :)

[@Wol747]

The lanekeeping and speed control seem at least as useful as the Tesla offerings.

[@Han-es8qu]

too expensive

[@davefroman4700]

Meanwhile XPeng has a car that is doing 11kWh real world.

[@mostafai39]

You are a Tesla man so stop cretesize other cars.

[@RSEV]

I’m not. Just giving my opinion and being honest. If you can’t be truthful what’s the point… I can criticise a Tesla easily too. But in terms of things like efficiency and charging especially, the polestar falls short. I think I’m quite clear that there are quite a few things I DO like though, and overall it’s not bad and will suit many.

[@andrewfowke9541]

Evotricity “which probably doesn’t work anyway” way to perpetuate a stereotype! I have a CHAdeMo EV I have never arrived at an ecotricity that didn’t work. That type of talk puts people off EV’s come on don’t be so biased! Shame on you!

[@davidshipp623]

I think it’s a stereotype for a reason, the problem was the idea that national network promised so much for early adopters and the sting of being left abandoned by it was therefore keenly felt and leaves a scar. It’s definitely much better than it was and Chademo seems more reliable than the CCS ones (probably from the Nissan link) but for me even with improvements of recent years I’m still only averaging around 50% success rate. Back in 2015 I had one journey where 3 different Ecotricty sites had no working chargers. It’s definitely better since then but I still worry if I have to rely on one. Luckily there are so many options now that would be a rare thing and now they are used they seem to be getting better and better. Plus the old ones are being swapped out. The tie-in with gridserve should mean we will see them as one of the best networks soon, and it’s good to you have had an all positive experience, let’s hope that increases for everyone.

[@madmike6266]

i really don't get the hype for this car. the exterior is questionable and the interior is dog shit. Tesla for life.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Really don't get your opinion. You're giving us Tfb's a bad name.

[@madmike6266]

@@rogerstarkey5390 couldn’t give a fuck mate

[@shoukeechen2854]

Tesla bad quality, p2 much, much better!

[@sandersson2813]

You probably haven't been in one or driven one. The interior is far better than a Tesla and the exterior is better looking and more practical too.

[@madmike6266]

@@sandersson2813 driven the performance it’s dog shit. Same with its interior 🤷🏻‍♂️