Off-peak electrons at 8.5p/kW are still the most compelling argument for EVs, along with the ease of sticking a plug in every few days on the drive instead of going to the petrol station. Thanks to the Polestar’s impressive maximum range (330 or so miles the way I drive it), I’ve only had to interact with the public charging system four or five times in the couple of months I’ve had it, and three of those have been mildly inconvenient, thanks to two charger faults and one queue-jumper. Not encouraging, it must be said.
The car itself has performed faultlessly, and is very nice indeed to drive, with a compelling mix of turbine-like overtaking performance and a well controlled ride that belies reports I’ve seen complaining it’s too hard. Plus the interior is comfortable and extremely refined, albeit a touch dreary to look at.
Steve shares my low opinion of the weird microfibre-style panel coverings that act like a cheese-grater – every touch of hand or knee leaves an unpleasant residue of visible skin cells, which is doubly unpleasant when it’s someone else’s. We both also think it’s daft that Polestar hasn’t fitted a rear wiper.
Second fleetwatch
Calculations indicated our London Congestion Charge-exempt Polestar 2 would cost £2 in off-peak electricity to drive to the Towcar of the Year Awards last month, plus £20 for parking in Mayfair. Driving my diesel Merc would have cost £27.50 in ULEZ and Congestion Charge fees, plus around £15 in fuel, for a total of £42.50. Taking the train? £30.60 for the ticket, a tenner for parking and £5.50 for the tube. No guesses how I travelled!
First fleetwatch
Our Polestar 2 LRSM returned from former keeper John McIlroy’s French jaunt, just in time to miss my own trip to Germany. We used the campervan, leaving me just a few days to get used to the EV, and to play with my new charger. With accounts set up and apps installed, it’s been an effortless transition to my first electric ‘daily driver’, along with the joy of 8.5p/kWh overnight charging!
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor: second report
We find a suitably premium charger for our classy EV
