Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer, Polestar, is set to release a branded smartphone in December, coinciding with the launch of its first sports utility vehicle (SUV) in China, the Polestar 4. The announcement emphasizes the company’s innovative approach in the electric vehicle market, integrating technology with transportation.
The Polestar 4, an SUV coupe, will be the third model from the company to be available in China, a significant move as the nation is the largest electric vehicle market globally. Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, highlighted the company’s collaboration with Chinese smartphone maker Xingji Meizu, owned by auto giant Geely, to produce the Polestar-branded smartphone, reports CNBC.
This strategic move is not aimed at capturing smartphone market share but rather to enhance the vehicle user experience. The idea is to bridge the gap between the car and mobile phone, offering seamless integration between the two. For instance, an app used on the Polestar smartphone could be effortlessly accessed on the car’s dashboard.
The phone is expected to be a premium device, marking a shift for Meizu, which is traditionally known for mid-tier devices in China. The integration of smartphones with vehicles is gaining traction in the automotive industry, with Chinese EV start-up Nio also planning a mobile phone launch.
The Polestar 4 is priced higher than Tesla’s Model Y in China, positioning it as a more luxurious option. Ingenlath mentioned that the Polestar 4 aims to compete with vehicles like the Porsche Macan, targeting customers from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Polestar, a joint venture between Volvo Cars and Geely, will face competition from established players like Nio, Xpeng, and Tesla in the Chinese market. The company also plans to release the Polestar 3, another electric SUV, following the launch of the Polestar 4.
