NZ distributor for Polestar 2 announced

The Polestar 2 will be in New Zealand later this year. Photos: Polestar

Polestar has officially announced the distributor for its premium electric vehicles in New Zealand with the Giltrap Group its official representative.

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are available and on the road in 13 global markets across Europe, North America, China, and now New Zealand.

Kiwis will be able to buy the Polestar 2 with the three versions available, just like its rival Tesla. The Standard range single motor version will feature a 165 kW/ 330 Nm electric motor and a 69 kWh battery pack.

 The Long-range single motor version increases battery capacity to 78 kWh and includes a 170 kW/ 330 Nm powertrain. 

The electric vehicle will be available in three model variants.

The range-topping Long-range dual motor variant has two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery, with a total output of 300 kW and 660 Nm. 

Detailed pricing and specifications will be released alongside online order books, later in 2021 but you can expect the entry-level model to be priced below $80,000 to benefit from the clean car rebate.

Nathan Forshaw, Head of Polestar in the Asia Pacific region, said he was excited to bring Polestar to New Zealand “which is one of the world’s leading producers of renewable electricity. As a premium electric brand, we found a natural partner in Giltrap Group, and we are pleased to join their portfolio of premium and luxury automotive brands”.

Meanwhile, Bruce Fowler, Brand Manager for Polestar in New Zealand, said “I believe that as a dedicated EV brand, Polestar is a true challenger to the industry, and Giltrap Group is super excited to be the official representative of Polestar in New Zealand”. 

The Polestar 2 can be ordered online with prices to be announced later this year.

“We cannot wait to introduce Kiwis to the Polestar experience, and there is no doubt that a car like the Polestar 2 will establish itself as a market-leading, premium electric vehicle. The timing couldn’t be better, with the recent introduction of the government’s Clean Car Discount scheme.”

Like Tesla, Polestar cars are purchased online and complemented by physical retail locations known as Polestar Spaces and Polestar Destinations. 

These bespoke retail environments allow consumers to interact physically with the brand, meeting with Polestar Specialists to explore the car in more detail, including test drives. 

The first Polestar Destination in New Zealand is planned to open to the public in Auckland, later this year.