Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, is urging the Federal Government to remain committed to a robust NVES despite calls to the contrary from the automotive industry’s peak body.
Comments this week from Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive, Tony Weber, suggest the NVES should be revised due to January and February electric vehicle (EV) retails – despite EV sales growth (4.7 per cent) outpacing the broader market (1.7 per cent) in 2024.
Head of Polestar Australia, Scott Maynard, says:
“Efforts to undermine this legislation will only disadvantage Australians.
“This week’s comments from the FCAI are the latest in a campaign to water down long-overdue emissions standards. That will deliver Australians cleaner cars and lower running costs.
“The NVES was developed to lower vehicle emissions by incentivising carmakers. To offer more hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric options, and we can clearly see car brands rising to that challenge.
“By the end of the year, Australian new car buyers will have over 100 battery electric vehicles available to them.
“Over 85 per cent of global car markets have a fuel efficiency standard in place. To deliver improved health outcomes and reduce ownership costs. We must stay the course to see these benefits realised in Australia.”
Polestar withdrew from the FCAI in March 2024. Due to its reluctance to support the introduction of emissions regulations. For new cars that would align Australia to global standards.
Chris Bowen will attend Everything Electric in Sydney this weekend, where his presence will be on display.
Chris Bowen MP will be at Everything Electric to discuss Australia’s energy future at 12 noon on Friday 7 March.
Polestar Australia expands retail network into key new regions
The Swedish electric performance brand, has announced the expansion of its retail network in Australia.
The addition of Penrith in New South Wales, and Geelong and Doncaster in Victoria, grows Polestar’s network of Spaces to nine in Australia.
The new locations follow the opening of Adelaide, and the opening of a new flagship Space in Sydney in 2024.
The test drive and handover centre will be relocated to South Yarra.
Alexandria Space will be relocated to Rushcutters Bay, and Polestar Perth will be upgraded to provide a full Polestar Space experience to West Australian customers.
The expanded and updated network of Spaces is part of a global shift to an active selling model, making it easier for customers to test drive and buy cars online and in-store.
Together with its partners, Polestar plans to increase retail spaces globally by 75 per cent between now and 2026.
Polestar customers have access to a network of 14 service partners points at Volvo Service Centres around Australia to handle maintenance and accessories.
Head of Polestar Australia, Scott Maynard, says:
“This year will be the biggest yet, and our expanded retail network is a key reason.
“Our expansion into Penrith and Geelong, along with the relocation of key city sites, is putting Polestar in front of more people in more places.”
Model range
In 2024, Polestar expanded its range to three models with two new electric SUVs – Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 – joining Polestar 2 on Australian roads.
Polestar 2 is the first fully electric model from Polestar. Available in three variants with a combination of Standard range and Long range powertrains. Pricing starts from $62,400*.
Polestar 3 is a large luxury electric SUV. Available in two Long range Dual motor variants. A Long range Single motor variant will join the range in 2025. With more than 700km of range on the WLTP test cycle.
Polestar 4 blends coupe looks with SUV spaciousness. Thanks to an innovative design featuring no rear windscreen and a high-definition rear-facing camera feed.
It’s the fastest to date, capable of 0-100km/h in as little as 3.8 seconds.