In September Polestar confirmed it would put the Precept concept car revealed in February into production—at a date to be revealed. For the uninitiated few, Polestar is the electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding.
The brand launched in 2017 with the Polestar 1, a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with 462 kW, 738 lb·ft (1000 N·m), and an electric-only range of 70 mi (112 km)—the longest of any hybrid car in the world at the time.
The Polestar 2, a Tesla Model 3 competitor and the company’s first fully electric, higher-volume premium car, launched in some markets from the middle of 2020. The fastback comes with 304 kW and 487 lb·ft (660 N·m), all-wheel drive, and a 78-kW·h battery pack in its first year of production.
The Precept started life as a manifesto to illustrate the brand’s future vision and was described as a commitment car, not a concept car. Showcasing the Swedish electric performance brand’s future design direction, Precept also highlights Polestar’s path for digital technology and the use of innovative sustainable materials, inside and out.
A positive reception for the Precept convinced Polestar to build it, said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO: “Consumers want to see change from this industry – not just dreams. Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.”
At its launch earlier this year, Ingenlath hinted at the car’s possible production: “Precept shows you where we will be heading—our design direction, our ambitions about sustainability and the great digital user experience we will bring with those future cars. Precept showcases our future, not as a fancy dream or something out of a sci-fi movie. This is our reality, to come.”
Some of the reality was touched on at the launch.
On the sustainability front, a flax-based composite, developed by Bcomp Ltd., is featured in many interior and some exterior parts. Composite materials reduce interior component weight by 50%, with an 80% reduction in plastic. Bcomp’s AmpliTex composite material is strengthened by the proprietary PowerRibs technology inspired by leaf veins, delivering both rigidity and low weight, which can reduce vibrations by up to 250% and perform better during an impact.
The seat covers are 3D-knitted from 100% recycled PET bottles in a single thread – made exactly to size with no waste or shavings. Reclaimed plastic bottles are also used for the 100% recycled headlining textile. The Econyl carpets from Aquafil are woven from Nylon 6, a material recovered from fishing nets.
Waste and recycled cork from the wine industry is converted into a cork-based vinyl and used in seat bolsters and headrests.
The Precept’s Google Android-powered infotainment system is an evolution of the ground-breaking system pioneered in the Polestar 2. Its large 15-in digital interface recognizes the driver upon approach, with settings and personal content authenticated by the Digital Key. Google Assistant evolves with advanced speech technology in more languages with better local dialect interpretation and more personalized experiences. Proximity sensors adjust what is shown on the screen depending on where the user’s hand is placed.
The 9-in horizontal driver display uses eye-tracking to monitor where the driver is looking and adjusts the way information is presented. It is smaller and more detailed when the driver is focused on the display, and larger and brighter with only vital information when the driver is focused on the road. Google Maps and the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), merged into one system for safer operation and more accurate predictions based on traffic conditions, is shown in one combined graphic in the driver display.
If the Precept is a design harbinger, then the direction for Polestar is looking good. The brand says it is evolving to take sustainability and technology as sources of inspiration instead of looking back at historical automotive references.
Highlights of the “avant-garde design” details, many of which are aimed at increasing EV range, start at the front wing, integrated into the hood, that improves airflow by reducing turbulence over the rest of the body.
An aerodynamically tapered cabin sits on “a slim waist and powerful hips.” The front splitter, side sills, and rear valence are made of Bcomp natural composite like some interior panels. Door handles and the glasshouse are flush to reduce air-flow disturbances.
Air ducts behind the front wheels allow air to exit the wheelhouses and contribute to a more laminar flow around the side of the car. Air ducts in front of and behind the rear wheels contribute to brake cooling as well as wheelhouse depressurization. The 22-in performance wheels are forged and machined, and feature aerodynamic inserts.
A SmartZone replaces the traditional front grille. It contains elements required for the Pilot Assist ADAS including long- and mid-range radar units, ultrasonic sensors, and a high-definition wide-angle camera. Additional SmartZones on either side of the car house additional driving-assistance sensors. A roof-mounted LiDAR pod positioned for superior visibility for future advanced driving technology. The rear camera and side cameras feed the digital interior mirrors.
Those cameras allow for the elimination of the rear window, so the traditional rear roof beam could be moved further rearward for better headroom—as well as a larger, deeper tailgate opening with a roof-mounted hinge.
As with many newer automotive designs, lighting plays a prominent role. The Thor’s hammer front light signature is now split along the horizontal edge, an evolution of the signature in a more robotic Polestar style. Welcome and farewell light sequences are inspired by astronomical events, starting in a burst of light from the center of the car that radiates outwards. LED side markers on the C-pillars indicate charging status. Full-width tail lights with vertical air blades complete the aerodynamic design, allowing for cleaner airflow off the vehicle surface.
The doors open wide for easy access, and the rears are rear-hinged.
The car’s long wheelbase accommodates a high (but unspecified) battery capacity and lots of interior space despite a low roofline. The batteries are placed beneath the floor without intruding into the rear passenger footwells as with the Polestar 2. Rear legroom is given high priority and matched by expansive headroom and a panoramic view.
With product development now underway, Polestar has confirmed it will produce the Precept in China, where a new production facility will be established. The aim is to ensure the facility will be climate neutral and one of the most intelligent and connected automotive production facilities in the world.
“China is a home market for Polestar, and we recognize the increasingly important drive for greater sustainability here,” said Ingenlath, speaking at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2020. “With this new factory, we will again raise the bar, aiming to produce the most advanced and premium electric car in China with the lowest carbon footprint.”
