Polestar Salary Sacrifice: Everything you need to know
Did you know that you can use The Electric Car Scheme to save money on any fully-electric car? Whether it's a Polestar or any other electric car on the market, you can benefit from a 30-60% cost reduction. This includes popular models like the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, as well as future releases from the brand.
You may be wondering what sets Polestar apart from other electric car manufacturers. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath summarises this perfectly:
“We aren’t BYD. We aren’t Tesla. We don’t have factories and volumes that go into the million. We have a very clear premium, luxury target audience and portfolio that is catered to that. We aren’t in the volume game of the mass market.”
Our Marketing Director, Gaurav, recently test drove the top-of-the-line Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack. Despite its lengthy name, it's a high-spec car designed to include everything in the model and derivative.
The Polestar 2 is available in four versions:
Standard Range Single Motor starting at £44,950
Long Range Single Motor starting at £48,950
Long Range Dual Motor starting at £52,950
Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack starting at £57,950 (the car Gaurav test drove).
No matter which version of the Polestar you choose, you can take advantage of The Electric Car Scheme for salary sacrifice. To find out how much you can save on a Polestar, use our online quote tool here.
Check out Gaurav's review below. If you have a specific electric car or model you'd like us to review, please email us at marketing@electriccarscheme.com, and we'll do our best to feature it on our blog for you.
Initial thoughts on the Polestar 2
I got my hands on a Polestar 2 with the optional Jupiter exterior colour, and it looks amazing! The car has a premium feel and turns heads with its wow factor. The Performance Pack adds gold accents, like gold Brembo brakes and gold seatbelts throughout.
I also love how the exterior tail lights illuminate. Instead of just turning on, they light up like an old TV, starting from the middle and spreading to the rest of the large rear light.
The 20-inch 4-Multi spoke forged alloy wheels are impressive, but I was worried about curbing them during my test drive. While they look great, they contribute to a slightly firm ride due to the manually adjustable Ohlins suspension in the mid-setting.
Check out some of the photos of the car for yourself below:
What is the performance like in Polestar 2?
You have four choices when it comes to motors and batteries for the Polestar 2, offering both single- and dual-motor configurations with two battery packs. In the summer 2023 update, Polestar introduced two new batteries.
Standard Range Version:
Battery: 67kWh usable
Motor: Rear-mounted, 271hp, 490Nm of torque
Range: Up to 331 miles on a full charge
Fast Charging: Up to 135kW, 10-80% in around 35 minutes
Long Range Models:
Battery: 79kWh usable
Charging: Up to 205kW on DC, 10-80% in 28 minutes
AC Charging: Up to 11kW, full charge in seven to eight hours
a. Long Range Model:
Rear motor: 299hp, 490Nm of torque
Range: 406 miles
b. Long Range Dual-Motor Model:
Dual motors (front and rear): 421hp, 740Nm of torque
Range: 367 miles
c. Performance Pack for Long Range Dual-Motor:
Power: 476hp, 740Nm of torque
Range: 353 miles
Acceleration: 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds!
Each configuration offers a unique blend of power, range, and charging capabilities, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and driving needs.
Driving Polestar 2 around town
Polestar has made the 2 highly configurable, particularly in terms of driver settings. The key adjustments for city driving are the steering weight and brake regeneration. Opting for the car's lightest steering and most aggressive regen mode makes the 2 excel on urban roads.
With regen at its maximum, you enjoy one-pedal driving, easing your experience. You can also choose whether the car creeps forward at slower speeds. The steering offers easy manoeuvrability, and the 11.5m turning circle allows for tight turns in car parks or narrow streets. However, rear visibility is a bit limited, but Polestar addresses this by including 360-degree cameras as standard.
Driving Polestar 2 on the motorway
Out on the open road, the Polestar 2 proves to be a capable cruiser. The updated rear-mounted single motor version accelerates easily, with instant torque providing a quick boost to reach highway speeds. The dual-motor version promises even more punch.
Once cruising, you might notice some tyre roar from the 19-inch alloy wheels and wind flutter from the wing mirrors. However, with the radio playing, these become barely noticeable. Adjusting the drive settings for coasting enhances efficiency, though the Polestar 2 lacks distinct drive modes. Nevertheless, removing brake regeneration helps make the most of momentum and reduces battery usage.
Driving Polestar 2 on a twisty road
By adjusting the steering weight to 'Performance' and setting regenerative braking to the middle, the electric-powered 2 oddly feels like a combustion-engined sports car. Replacing engine braking with slight regen allows for smooth cornering without disrupting weight balance. The Polestar 2 is among the better EVs to drive, offering excellent turn-in and limited body roll.
While it may not provide the drama of petrol-powered sports cars, it's far from boring. The rear-mounted electric motor offers plenty of punch, with the Performance version expected to be even more aggressive.
Space and practicality in the Polestar 2
In terms of practicality, taller individuals may find the rear seats a bit snug, but the Polestar 2 excels in other aspects. The front cabin provides ample adjustment in seats and steering column, even with the panoramic sunroof. Storage includes two cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and spacious door bins.
Polestar 2 Boot Space:
The Polestar 2 features a 405-litre boot with a square shape and additional storage space under the bonnet for charge cables. While it's slightly less than some alternatives, like the Tesla Model 3, it remains practical. Folding down the rear seats increases cargo space to 1,054 litres.
Interior Style, Infotainment, and Accessories:
The interior boasts a variety of materials and textures, creating an interesting and layered cabin. The Scandinavian styling is simple and pleasing, with the portrait touchscreen as the centrepiece. The Google-based infotainment system, while lacking physical buttons, is user-friendly. The quality of materials is excellent, with some scratchy plastics in lower areas.
Accessory options are limited, but the Plus Pack adds notable features like a Harmon Kardon sound system, fully electric seats, tinted glass, an upgraded air quality system, a full-length panoramic roof, and adjustable boot floor bag hooks.
Electric Range, Charging, and Tax:
The Polestar 2 offers four motor and battery options, ranging from single- to dual-motors and two battery packs. The Standard Range version, with a 67kWh battery, provides up to 331 miles on a full charge. Charging times vary, with the ability to charge at up to 135kW.
The Long Range model, equipped with a larger battery, achieves 406 miles on a full charge. Dual-motor models provide additional power, with the Performance Pack reaching 476 hp and a 353-mile range. EVs currently don't require Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but starting April 2025, all EVs will be subject to VED.
Safety and Security:
The Polestar 2 achieved a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing, with high scores across all areas. Standard safety features include collision avoidance, pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, driver alert assist, cruise control, blind spot assist, and cross-traffic alert.
The optional Pilot Pack adds adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, and adaptive LED headlights. All models include airbags, three sets of ISOFIX points, and an immobiliser.
How much is the Polestar 2 using salary sacrifice?
| Polestar 2 Model | Price Per Month | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | From £489 | |
| Long Range Single Motor | From £530 | |
| Long Range Dual Motor | From £579 | |
| Long Range Dual Motor 4wd | From £691 |
The Electric Car Scheme excels in sourcing electric cars tailored to your preferences, featuring an extensive range that includes different models and derivatives, including the Polestar 2. Obtain a personalised price estimate for the Polestar 2 effortlessly by utilising our user-friendly quote tool. Simply click here to access the tool and receive your customised quote.
Polestar 7 is set to replace the Polestar 2
Exciting developments are on the horizon for Polestar enthusiasts! The iconic Polestar 2 is set to pave the way for a new era in 2027, where we should expect to see the arrival of the Polestar 7. With an impressive track record of dominating 26 global markets and boasting approximately 150,000 sales, the Polestar 2 has continually evolved, now featuring cutting-edge technology upgrades.
Anticipated to exit the stage by 2027, the Polestar 2 leaves behind a legacy of innovation and excellence. Polestar remains committed to its chronological model naming strategy, with the forthcoming launch of the Polestar 6 supercar in 2026 marking the next chapter in the brand's electrifying journey.
Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, has suggested launching generation after generation of the same car can impose limitations and stifle innovation: “As much as we might build a very similar car, because it has a different number we won’t have this natural trip where we’re boxed into that concept of what the car has been.” The 7 is set to swap from the Volvo-derived Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that underpins the 2 onto a new EV-specific platform – most likely a variation of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that underpins the Polestar 4, according to AutoTrader.
You can also get the Polestar 3 through The Electric Car Scheme
The Polestar 3 is priced between £79,900 and £85,500. If you pay in cash, the starting price is £79,900, with monthly payments starting at £1,000. The popular versions are the 360kW 111kWh Long Range DM Plus Pilot 5dr Auto and the 380kW 111kWh LR DM Plus Pilot performance 5dr Auto.
Please note that Polestar's announced pricing is subject to change before the launch. The Performance Pack adds £5,600 to the starting price, and the Pilot Pack, which will be available in 2025, costs an additional £4,300.
Comparatively, the Polestar 3's pricing is positioned between the base models of the BMW iX and the Mercedes EQE SUV. It is also in a similar price range to traditional luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport.
Polestar 3: Roominess and practicality
The Polestar 3 features large and comfortable front seats with numerous electrical adjustments. Each seat has a multifunctional controller on its side, handling various movements. Finding the perfect setup might require a bit of trial and error, but drivers of all sizes should be able to get very comfortable.
In terms of storage, the door bins are large but not massive. The centre console provides two substantial cupholders behind a wireless phone charging pad. A sizeable storage area is located under the centre armrest, and an even larger one on the floor between the front seats, ideal for placing a handbag or backpack for quick access.
Moving to the back seats, the floor in the rear is set a little high, but there's ample legroom for rear-seat passengers to stretch their legs comfortably. Even taller individuals should find plenty of room in the spacious surroundings. The full-length sunroof doesn't affect headroom, and there's plenty of that to spare.
The only drawback is a trade-off - Polestar has opted to make the outer two rear seats very sculpted and comfortable, leaving the middle seat a bit narrower. It's still manageable, without a transmission tunnel or floor hump to contend with, but it's more comfortable with two passengers in the back.
Both outer rear seats have easily accessible ISOFIX points for fitting a child seat, providing ample space even for a large rear-facing unit.
As for boot space, the Polestar 3's boot offers 484 litres of space, slightly smaller than the BMW iX (500 litres) or the Mercedes EQE SUV (520 litres). However, it's a cleverly designed space with various tricks to maximise utility.
There's a deep underfloor storage compartment and a movable floor that folds in half to split the boot - great for preventing smaller objects from rolling around. When the floor is in an upright position, it creates three hooks for shopping bags, a smart touch, and a boon for shorter individuals who struggle to reach the back of the boot.
Additionally, there's a 12V socket and retaining straps, and the rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, with a ski hatch available through the centre seat.
Polestar 3: Interior, Technology and Extras
Inside the Polestar 3, you'll find a lot of Scandinavian minimalism. Besides the column stalks and steering wheel, there's just one button on the dash – a volume dial next to the cupholders.
The main control hub is a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre. Similar to a Tesla, it handles not only navigation and media but also safety functions, climate controls, and even door mirror adjustment. While it's a slick system, you might find it a bit frustrating to navigate through menus frequently while driving.
The interior boasts excellent materials and build quality. The plastics feel great, and Polestar uses sustainable and welfare-certified Nappa leather for the seats, offering both softness and superb comfort. The light finishes enhance the cabin's ambience, although they may be less durable than darker options.
All models come with a fantastic Bowers & Wilkins sound system, three-zone climate control, four USB-C charging ports, and heated and ventilated front seats – all standard features you'd expect from a premium electric SUV.
In terms of electric performance, Polestar claims the 3 can cover up to 379 miles on a single charge, with Performance pack-equipped versions offering 347 miles. The large 111kWh battery capacity is one of the largest available, enabling long-range capabilities. Home charging from a standard 7.4kW wallbox takes over 15 hours from empty to full, but the 250kW fast charging capability allows a rapid 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes at compatible public chargers.
The Polestar 3 is exempt from road tax until 2025, and company car benefit-in-kind rates are lower compared to traditional combustion-engined cars.
In terms of safety, the Polestar 3 shares strong ties with Volvo, known for producing some of the safest cars. While Euro NCAP hasn't tested the 3 yet, it's expected to achieve a full five-star rating. The vehicle features nine airbags, a full radar array for sensors and automated emergency braking, and two infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure the driver stays focused on the road.
Despite its safety features, it's worth noting that the all-touchscreen interior might divert your attention from the road more than systems like BMW's iDrive dial. However, you can easily turn off most intrusive safety systems with just two presses from the homescreen.
How much is the Polestar 3 using salary sacrifice?
Polestar 3, with a powerful 360kW 111kWh Long Range Dual Motor (DM), is available starting at £847 per month. For a higher-performance option with 380kW, the Long Range Dual Motor Performance model is priced from £923 per month.
These costs are provided under The Electric Car Scheme and are calculated for a four-year duration with an annual mileage of 5,000 miles. The estimates are tailored for individuals with a salary of £70,000, including service, maintenance, and insurance costs. Calculate your savings here.
Terms & Conditions - Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 5,000 miles pa, 48 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
Last updated: 01/05/24
