Polestar may be putting Tesla on notice. The latest announcement suggests a new variant is coming. This Polestar 2 EV is making some bold claims that the Tesla Model Y might not be able to compete with in terms of driving range. So, what can consumers expect from this exciting new Polestar entry? Fasten your seatbelts because the electric driving range bar has just been raised.

What’s so exciting about the Polestar 2?

The first Polestar vehicle introduction was a hybrid. This new Polestar 2 is the first pure electric car, featuring five doors, five seats, and a lot of driving range.

Polestar announced its excitement for the Polestar 2, with some of the highest driving range capability on a single charge in a recent press release. The EPA confirmed the claim, rating this single-electric-motor crossover at achieving 270 miles per charge. 

In the press release, Polestar officials say this is “the longest range of any Polestar.” Gregor Hembrough, the head of Polestar’s North American interests, says continual range improvements are coming. Other conveniences, like free OTA software downloads, are also expected with this revolutionary Polestar 2 EV.

How does the Polestar 2 measure up to the Tesla Model Y?

With its claim of 270 miles on a single charge, the Polaris 2 beats the Tesla Model Y in range, as Barron points out in a recent article. But there’s more. A long-range dual motor is coming for the Polestar 2, with performance upgrades designed to crank the horsepower to 476 and torque levels to 502 lb-ft. This means an OTA upgrade will add performance to the already impressive Polestar 2.

In comparison, the Tesla Model Y’s long-range model can achieve 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, according to MotorTrend. On the outset, it appears the Polestar 2 is primed to surge ahead of Tesla on two fronts.

Forbes offered a first-drive look at the new addition and shared some notable features and details. Polestar is a subsidiary of Volvo. You might even notice a few similarities, like the slightly higher seating position and XC40-feeling platform. The grille and headlights also have hints of Volvo, but Polestar is rooted in being different.

It’s also worth mentioning that these two electric vehicles differ in size. The Polestar 2 is a five-seater, while the Tesla Model Y does offer a three-row option. The Model Y also falls into the compact SUV category, while most auto reviews call the Polestar 2 a crossover with a hatchback. 

Which EV model is the better buy?

When it comes to buying either the Polestar 2 or the Tesla Model Y, it might be worth waiting. North American pricing and availability for the Polestar all-electric ride are expected to be announced soon for the 2022 model year. The Launch Edition of the Polestar is no longer up for grabs.

Forbes expects this new EV to come in with an average base price of $47,200, and that should include the glass roof, decent safety tech, and cloth interior. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y ranges in price between $41,990 and $45,997.

While the Tesla Model Y might come in at a lower price point, consumers should consider the added driving. The $7,500 federal tax credit available for all Polestar EVs might constitute a slash in the purchase price below $40,000, making it even more affordable.

The Polestar 2 is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle options consumers can look forward to next year. While not all the details are readily available, it’s clear; the primary competitor is the Tesla Model Y. You might decide a test drive is in order to determine which EV deserves a spot in your garage. But if capable driving range on a full charge is what matters, the Polestar 2 earns the bragging rights in this comparison.