Polestar aims to grow fleet sales further with product offensive

Polestar is eyeing further growth in the fleet market with a product offensive, which includes a refreshed Polestar 2 and two electric SUVs.

The manufacturer has become a familiar name in fleet, increasing its annual UK sales by 80% last year, delivering 7,630 cars with four-out-of-five going to fleet and businesses.

This year, it is aiming to double the registrations it achieved in 2022 and at the halfway stage Matt Hawkins, head of sales at Polestar, told Fleet News it is on target to deliver 15,000 units.

Key to Polestar’s success has been the Polestar 2, which has established itself over the past two years as a fleet favourite.

Hawkins said: “We know that it works really well on company car policies, we know that it works really well on salary sacrifice schemes and because of its versatility, it appeals to a very broad range of customers.

“We're now taking orders for our model year 24, which has a number of technological enhancements over the outgoing model. It is kind of what you would call a major model refresh."

All 2024 Polestar 2 versions feature upgraded batteries. Long Range versions now feature an 82kWh pack, while the battery for Standard Range versions retains a capacity of 69kWh but is from a new supplier.

Faster charging rates of up to 205kW DC for the Long Range and 135kW for the Standard Range battery is also now be possible.

Range improvements are in effect for all versions. The Long Range Single Motor variant can now achieve up to 406 miles (WLTP).

The Standard Range Single Motor version is now capable of up to 330 miles (WLTP).

Long Range Dual Motor variants can now achieve up to 367 miles (WLTP).

Standard equipment in Polestar 2 has been revised to include Driver Awareness features as standard. These include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, along with the 360-degree surround view camera and automatic dimming exterior mirrors. The wireless phone charger is now also standard on all versions.

Hawkins continued: "2024 Polestar 2 is the beginning of a product offensive for us. We have Polestar 3, which is our large SUV, already available to order now and deliveries of that car will start middle of next year.

“It's a very exciting car, because it sits in a completely different category to the Polestar 2. It's a much bigger car, it's even more premium in its outlook.

“It's also the first car that's going to be brought to market that's been designed as a Polestar from the ground up."

The Polestar 3 has a WLTP range of 379 miles, courtesy of a 111kWh battery pack and will enter the premium end of the market, alongside cars like the BMW iX.

From launch, the car is available with a dual-motor configuration, with a power bias towards the rear. The standard car produces a total of 489PS and 840Nm. With the optional Performance Pack, total output is 516PS and 910Nm.

"The Polestar 3 will be less of a mainstay fleet car, more of a senior end management car or some of the higher end salary sacrifice," said Hawkins.

The new all-electric SUV will be in showrooms from August, with demo models available from quarter 2 next year, with deliveries starting soon after.

The second electric SUV in the brand’s line-up, the Polestar 4, which is expected to have a range of up to 372 miles, will follow Polestar 3.

It is expected to open for orders in the UK early next year, with deliveries starting in the second half of 2024.

Hawkins said : "It will appeal to a very broad range of customers, because we know that that segment is really popular, and the pricing positions that are right between the two of the three so it still potentially makes it a fleet car for certain fleets, but certainly a very popular choice for business owners who are looking to fund cars through their business.”