Entry Polestar 2 Gets 270-Miles of Range, Edges Out Tesla Model 3 RWD

Polestar’s single-motor long-range variant has received its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency range rating, at 270 miles per charge (434 km), just slightly edging out the entry Tesla Model 3’s 267 miles (429 km) of range, according to Automotive News.

The cheaper, single-motor Polestar 2 variant is the company’s attempt at offering a more budget-conscious option to the market, starting at $47,200 USD before incentives. The car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, with its single motor in the front.

The entry single-motor rear-wheel drive Tesla Model 3 starts at $44,490 USD, cheaper than than the Polestar 2. The RWD Model 3 can go from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

“We are pleased to announce the longest range of any Polestar yet,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar in North America, in a statement. “Alongside continual range improvements, we continue to offer new conveniences for our customers free of charge via OTA software downloads.”

A future software update in the “coming months” will allow for an in-app purchase of adding 67 more horsepower, says Polestar for its dual-motor variant. Tesla also includes in-app purchase upgrades for performance boosts for its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

“Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor is a performance software upgrade designed to raises output to 476 hp and 502 lb. ft., an increase of an average 67 hp and 15 lb. ft. over the standard dual-motor car,” explained the company. No pricing was detailed for this upgrade.

It remains to be seen how the Polestar 2 battery efficiency will perform compared to other electric vehicles such as the Model 3.

Polestar is set to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger next year, valued at $21 billion USD.