Polestar O2 Concept: a breath of fresh air for electric cars

Concept coupe-cabriolet, a body style that has almost disappeared, the Polestar O₂ combines electric propulsion… and a drone.

Electric cars are arriving in force, but are they too homogeneous? City cars, sedans, or SUVs, isn’t the choice perhaps too limited in a world capable of producing objects of all shapes?

In this transition, the coupe and cabriolet might make a comeback, at least that is the wish of the Polestar O₂, which, as its name indicates (O₂ = oxygen), aims to breathe new life into the segment.

Revival of the coupe thanks to the Polestar O₂!

This vehicle echoes the main lines of the previous Precept concept from 2020, excluding the winter “show-car” Polestar 2 Arctic Circle. This last previewed the next Polestar, a large electric sedan vying with the Tesla Model S.

But setting aside the family resemblance, the Polestar O₂ is a car in its own league. Whether as a coupe-cabriolet or a hardtop convertible (choose your favorite), this car reestablishes the tradition of the parent brand Volvo. Having gained popularity with the P1800 in the 1960s, the Swedish manufacturer produced the less famous 262C and 789, but made a mark with the C70 in the 1990s and 2000s.

Later, Volvo dreamed of relaunching a coupe, with a concept car in 2013. But it waited until 2019, when it became a plug-in hybrid, within the new firm, under the name Polestar 1.

A 2+2… +1 drone

The Polestar O₂ would be an “roadster” that introduces a “new paradigm”. Built on an aluminum frame, it features a compact proportions. Unsurprisingly, the batteries between the two axles take up space, unlike the electric motors. This results in short overhangs, which benefit driving dynamics and the interior. It also bears some resemblance to the Nissan Z, the recent generation of the thermal coupe launched in its new version.

With 2+2 seats, the “O₂” also offers some space for a fifth companion, non-human. Polestar has installed a drone, developed with Aerofugia, which acts as an exterior camera to capture its finest journeys.

Sliding out at the rear, it takes off using a simple command on the screen, automatically following the car up to 90 km/h. It then sends the footage for editing and sharing on social media via the central display.

Seats made from a single material

Inside, luxury is about space, calm, and serenity. Fewer buttons, a horizontal dashboard concealing the vents, for a minimalist look. The steering wheel is assisted by a digital display of gauges, but the central touchscreen remains very large. This system offers nothing fundamentally new, as it uses the same Android Automotive-based system from Google (Alphabet) and the built-in GPS via Google Maps.

The white seats, with yellow belts reminiscent of the Swedish flag, are made from “mono-material”. Polestar aims to use only one material, in different forms. The reason? No longer needing to separate materials at end-of-life, for easier recycling. Here, the seats are made solely of thermoplastic derived from recycled polyester, foamed for volume, with a 3D upholstery surface.

Will the Polestar O₂ soon hit the roads?

Finally, this Polestar O₂ will not have a series production version. At least, the brand does not hint at it. But its approach to materials will undoubtedly influence future sedans and SUVs succeeding the Polestar 2. The question remains whether a coupe, cabriolet, or roadster will find its place in an increasingly electric automotive market.

Read also: Mercedes EQE AMG 2022: the electric sedan that kicks things up a notch