Polestar 2: Single Motor VS Dual Motor Range & Efficiency Test… Surprising Result!

The 2023 Polestar 2 with the bigger 78 kWh battery could be had with two drivetrains - single motor FWD or dual motor AWD.

In this video we drive both examples of very similar age on identical wheels and tyres side-by-side to establish whether it's worth giving up some of the range of the single motor model in favour of the added grip and power of the AWD version.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Motorway Efficiency - Test
05:25 Motorway Efficiency - Results
06:45 Urban Efficiency - Test
10:57 Urban Efficiency - Results
11:42 Conclusion

[milesyounghamilton]

I bought the magnesium P2 featured in this video. Lovely car, thanks Wisley Auto

[mrgee]

Great comparison video. Much needed real world data. I'm on the hunt for a single motor long range. As I value efficiency over 3 points on my license. Also, insurance is significantly different between the two options. Keep up the good work.

[richardpiper]

I would definitely go for the single motor as for the majority of drivers the additional traction benefit is very marginal compared with the reduction in efficiency. EV’s do though lend themselves to rear wheel drive to avoid torque steer and front wheel scramble - and if designed around a EV specific platform can free up space for a frunk. It is interesting that Polestar have now changed the single motor model from fwd to rwd. Autocar testers of the similar size Tesla M3 and BMW i4 report that they have a preference for the single motor rear wheel drive models. They are less heavy and a bit sweeter to drive. Unfortunately in many cases you have to go for twin motors to get a longer range battery when in reality the extra range is only a sop to first EV adopters who still worry about range anxiety. Good therefore to see Polestar now offering the option of a longer range single motor model. IMHO paying £10k more for a twin motor M3 with just a bit more range (over the more than adequate standard SR+ model) and a few more speakers is a ridiculous amount.
At current used EV prices I think the Polestar is terrific buy. For the majority of owners the interior ambience and quality is at a much higher level than the Tesla and the SatNav/Infortainment system far easier and simpler to use. Frankly with even very uninspiring EV variants of ICE models e.g. Vauxhall Astra and other Stellantis models costing over £40k buying a nearly used premium EV for less is a no brainer.

[rd_Rock]

Exactly what I wanted to know. Many thanks for your help.

[Aizman]

Polestar 2 is awesome! great that you include both metrics in consumption!

[overkongen]

I'm getting the single motor. Today, actually. Can't wait.

[Andreassssssss-ivwv]

This is my next car. 100%. Getting the black one. Singel motor. 2022. Need it to come down a bit in price tho

[quebeccityoliver]

Very informative. Thank you. And traffic is always bad in Bedfordshire. I know, I grew up in Luton.

[davewatts]

I am seriously looking to move from diesel to electric car. I have had a Volvo, which was the most comfy car we ever had so the polestar has gone number one

[csjrogerson]

3.86 miles/Kw is pretty good but messed up by the traffic congestion to give an average speed of 40 mph.

[podge]

What’s the performance like in the single motor?

[polepole]

Great comparison. Thanks. I would need AWD being in Canada for winter. Question: is there a roll up shade on that glass roof for extreme hot summer days

[karstenstigmezinirasmussen]

My target would be the cheapest car with a motor in the back, i.e. most likely a 1st gen AWD. I do not need another FWD in this life.
Adaptive CC would also be a requirement.

[matsjohansson]

Ahhh you didn't got to test the 2024 ones. Come back when you do.

[SÆHMosiqi]

its too compact and quite expensive as well for its class, i mean sure the design is Scandinavian musle carish but i wish it was like at least midsize sedan kinda like S60 size....other wise it is very practical and for front wheel drive its smooth, i mean i am surprise how well the car handles and drive...

[marunzel]

What would a BMW i3 need in the same test? Roughly....

[polepole]

Another question. Would it improve efficiency on the dual motor to turn off the front motor when not required. Thanks

[G_Rizzly]

@Wisely Automotive: I have a question - I can't get lower than 19-20 kWh/100 km (about 30 kWh/100 miles) whatever I do on a 2022 LR DM Polestar 2 but without the Plus pack (no glass roof, no pilot pack either). That limits me to 300 km safe range. Can the missing heat pump be the issue? Driving in the usual Irish weather, with single pedal driving, A/C set to 19 C auto (due to PS2 air condensation issue). Doesn't matter if I do motorways or cities, A/B/national roads. I managed to get 17 kWh in the mountains but that's because of lots of regen. Is the issue in the car, my driving or the heat pump, so if I switch for the new or a car with Plus pack I'd get closer to your values?