It isn’t often that entirely new automotive manufacturers pop up and become successful household names, but it also isn’t impossible. With the rise in popularity of electric cars, there has become a new market that is dominated by a brand that, compared to other companies that are over a hundred years old and rich in heritage, are rather new, such as Tesla. Hybrids have an even bigger market to compete with, as many well-established manufacturers have begun to offer hybrid options of popular cars. Really, brands like Polestar that are trying to establish themselves and build a reputation are starting out as underdogs, but an affordable luxury hybrid and electric vehicle might be enough to spark good news for Polestar.

How much will the 2022 Polestar 2 cost?

If you’ve never heard of Polestar, you aren’t alone, but chances are you’ve heard of the parent company it comes from: Volvo. If you’re confused, it’s alright, we were too. Polestar is Volvo’s electric performance subdivision brand, and it’s striving to make a name for itself. The 2022 Polestar 2 will only be the second vehicle ever released by this lesser-known brand (hence the name, which is underwhelming just “2”). The Polestar 1, which you probably never heard of, was a plug-in hybrid, but the 2022 Polestar 2 is fully electric and has an MSRP that totals out to $38,400 after receiving the Federal Tax Credit. Still, that is affordable enough to make it a competitive option against Teslas and other upcoming electric vehicles.

The 2022 Polestar 2 has some notible features

Besides the competitive pricing, there are a few notable features of the 2022 Polestar 2:

• The 2022 Polestar 2 is all-wheel drive
• It has a 0 – 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds (according to Volvo)
• Reportedly has the largest worldwide charging network
• Can go up to 265 miles on a single charge
• Offers up to 408 horsepower
• Frameless mirrors
• Panoramic glass roof
• Fully vegan interior options
• Can tow an underwhelming 2000 lbs (but it’s still something)

Will the new electric vehicle be enough?

When Tesla began, they kept their model options limited to ensure that they could produce the best cars that they could rather than as many cars as they could — you know, except for the quality and reliability issues owners complain about. With its modern and minimalistic styling choices inside and out, the 2022 Polestar 2 definitely shows potential for helping to establish the brand. It does give buyers interested in a luxury electric vehicle an option other than Tesla, which has proven to be a bit terrifying, with incidents such as airbags failing to deploy in accidents with multiple semi-trucks as well as fires. Polestar luckily isn’t battling the same negative press that Tesla is, but it also doesn’t have quite the reputation yet, either.