POLESTAR O2 – THE NEW EV ROADSTER WITH AN AUTONOMOUS DRONE

POLESTAR O2 – Polestar, the all-electric performance vehicle company, has unveiled a new concept car that redefines sports roadsters for the electric age. Polestar O2, the hard-top convertible, is Polestar’s concept of open-top performance and a thrilling driving experience with all of the advantages of electric mobility. Polestar’s second concept car builds on the Precept design language, a bespoke aluminium platform that showcases quality, rigidity, sustainability and technology ambitions to take the next step toward greater circularity with recycled polyester thermoplastic mono-material and aluminium labelling, and an autonomous cinematic drone combines innovation and fun.

DYNAMICS: POLESTAR O2

The Polestar O2’s driving experience is intended to be vibrant, light, and confident. Exciting, dynamic driving is built on predictability and fun. Tight body control, high stiffness, and intuitive dynamics are intrinsic features of the unique bonded aluminium platform, which is based on the Polestar 5, and was created in-house by Polestar’s R&D team in the UK. The bonded aluminium platform’s excellent quality and stiffness are designed to provide a more dynamic reaction. Because of the modest roll angles and good roll damping, the handling characteristics are tight, and the nimble, direct steering feel is linear, with a lot of steering torque build-up.

Polestar O₂ is our vision of a new era for sports cars. By mixing the joy of open top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car. But as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight line sprints. It’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins.

Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design

DESIGN

Polestar O2’s design is clearly connected to the Polestar Precept concept vehicle but has its own distinct personality. It demonstrates how Polestar’s growing design language can be adapted to multiple body shapes while maintaining a strong familial resemblance. The low and broad body with an expressive stance, compact 2+2 interior design, small overhangs, and long-wheelbase represent traditional sports car proportions but with a distinctly contemporary, electric feel.

Aerodynamics are managed to increase range by hidden design elements such as integrated ducts that promote laminar airflow over the wheels and body sides, and rear lights that serve as air blades to minimise turbulence behind the car.

SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY

Polestar O2 also demonstrates technological and environmental advancements. The inside is heavily populated with a new thermoplastic mono-material. The phrase “mono-material” refers to the use of a single basic material to make several components. All soft interior components of the Polestar O2 are made entirely of recycled polyester, including foam, glue, 3D knit fibres and non-woven lamination. This simplifies recycling and is a huge step toward increased circularity, all while lowering weight and waste.

Materials, according to Polestar’s sustainability staff, should be recycled rather than downcycled. Polestar O2 incorporates a novel way of regulating recycled content and enhancing metal component circularity. To provide an exciting driving experience, several grades of aluminium are employed throughout the chassis. These various classes are labelled, allowing them to be recycled more successfully while retaining their qualities. High-grade aluminium remains high grade, while other grades retain their unique properties, allowing for the improved material economy and a lesser necessity for virgin aluminium.

INNOVATION

In an increasingly social media-driven society, the Polestar O2 includes an autonomous cinematic drone installed below the back seats. The prototype drone, developed in partnership with Aerofugia’s consumer electronics company Hoco Flow, may be released while the automobile is moving to record the perfect driving sequence. Polestar engineers created a specialised aerofoil that lifts behind the back seats to create a quiet region of negative pressure, allowing the drone to take flight while the car is moving.

The drone follows the automobile autonomously at speeds of up to 90 km/h, and the driver may select between an ambient sequence – ideal for a coastal ride – and a more action-packed series with a sportier expression. After filming, the drone may return to the automobile on its own. When the vehicle is parked, video footage may be edited and shared immediately from the 15-inch centre display.

Polestar O2 builds on Polestar Precepts solid foundations as a vision of the company’s future design, technological, and sustainability objectives. Polestar intends to debut three new automobiles over the next three years, beginning in 2022, with the possibility to gradually realise some of the ideas provided by these concept cars.

GALLERY – POLESTAR O2

POLESTAR IN INDIA?

Well, there’s currently no word on whether Volvo’s all-electric sub-brand will be coming to India. However, Volvo has already started electrifying its India line-up with the launch of the mild-hybrid petrol XC60 and XC90 SUVs and the S90 sedan, late last year. This year, Volvo will also launch its first EV, the XC40 Recharge in India.

Do you think Polestar should bring the O2 concept into production? Let us know in the comments below.