Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Polestar 3 SUV
Polestar is a high performance Swedish automotive brand established by Volvo in 1996. The Volvo Group has a long history of success and was established in 1927. Since then the company has had multiple owners, to include the US based, Ford Motor Company. Its current owner is a Chinese automotive behemoth, Geely Automobile, which acquired Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely also owns the automotive brands Lotus Cars and Polestar.
Volvo Cars was one of the first mainstream OEM’s to commit to a push towards zero-emission road transportation. In 2017, the company announced its intention to ‘electrify every car in our range’. Volvo is not new to ‘electric propulsion’ and has already deployed a test fleet of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2010 and had launched the first plug-in hybrid diesel cars in 2012.
The automotive manufacturer has an ambition to achieve 50% sales from pure electric cars and the remaining 50% from plug-in hybrid electric cars by 2025. The company is also committed to becoming ‘climate neutral’ across the value chain by 2040. The company’s portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) include:
- The all-electric Polestar 2
- The all-electric Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 is a defining moment in the history of the automotive brand. The Polestar 3 is the first pure electric SUV from Polestar and also the first Polestar EV to use the SPA2 (Scalable Product Architecture) platform used by parent group, Volvo.
The all-electric Polestar 3 competes in an already fierce segment of pure electric premium SUVs. However, the Polestar 3 has much to offer those seeking a premium e-SUV. The Polestar 3 is available in one EV battery size: 111 kWh and in two variants: Long Range Dual Motor and Long Range Dual Motor: Performance Pack. The automotive manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 610 km (WLTP) for the entry-level Long Range Dual Motor and up to 560 km (WLTP) for the Performance Pack variant.
Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions i.e. weather, temperature, road conditions, driving profile, load, speed, tyre size etc, the Polestar 3 offers excellent pure electric range for short and long distance driving. For the Long Range Dual Motor, expect a real-world range closer to 580 km and for the Performance Pack, a 530 km EV range. Both variants offer a class-leading practical electric range.
For longer motorway driving trips, the Polestar 3 electric SUV offers DC charging capability up to 250 kW. Despite the limited availability of 250 kW ultra-rapid DC charging infrastructure, it is indeed good to note that Polestar has offered this capability as standard. A prudent future proof strategy! The Polestar EV can be charged 10%-80% in 30 minutes.
The Polestar 3 EV offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, given that the majority of homes have single-phase power supply in Ireland, taking advantage of the 11 kW onboard charger will be only for those with access to three-phase EV charging at home, work or at a public destination. At 11 kW, the EV battery can be fully charged in 11 hours. Single-phase EV charging will take longer. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
The Polestar family electric SUV is available as an all-wheel drive (AWD), as standard. The Long Range Dual Motor variant can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds (max power: 489 bhp/ 840 Nm torque). The top of the range, Long Range Dual Motor: Performance Pack can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (max power: 517 bhp/ 910 Nm torque). The top speed is 210 km/h.
In terms of technology and features, the EV has much to offer either as standard or an option upgrade pack. These include: 9” driver display, 14.5” centre display, Head-Up-Display (HUD), ADAS: advanced driver assistance systems, regenerative stability control, night-time collision warning, intelligent speed assist, rear collision warning and mitigation, blind spot information and more. In terms of practicality, the EV offers up to 484 L boot space and a 32 L frunk (front storage compartment). As for exterior styling, the Polestar 3 is sporty and stunning!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Class-leading electric range | Expensive |
| 250 kW DC charging and 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Available in only one EV battery option |
| Striking exterior styling | Not available as a seven-seater |
Gallery
The All-Electric Polestar 3 (credit: Polestar)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Long Range Dual Motor (from € 99,900) |
| Long Range Dual Motor: Performance Pack (from € 106,900) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 111 kWh |
| Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 150,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1614 |
| Width (mm): | 2120 |
| Length (mm): | 4900 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2985 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
| Boot Space (L): | 484 |
| Long Range Dual Motor | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 111 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 610 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 360 |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 489 |
| Torque (Nm): | 840 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Long Range Dual Motor Performance Pack | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 111 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 560 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Charging: | 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 11 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 380 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 517 |
| Torque (Nm): | 910 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | N/A |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
The Pros For Electric Cars
| Pros: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
| Lower air pollution: | One can never overestimate the negative impact of air pollution on the health of individuals, in particular, the vulnerable i.e. the children and the elderly. In Ireland, we have witnessed a significant increase in air pollution over the past decade, and yes, petrol and diesel tailpipe emissions have contributed to the worsening air quality across all our villages, towns and cities. Road transportation, though not the only source of pollutants, is a leading source, contributing up to 30%. Electric vehicles help reduce tailpipe emissions i.e. leading to improved air quality. Pure electric cars have no tailpipe, hence the expression ‘zero-tailpipe emissions’ or ‘zero-emissions’. PHEVs do have tailpipe emissions, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle (ICE and electric), but have far lower emissions than a conventional petrol or diesel car. Moreover, when a PHEV is driven on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero! So bottom-line, both BEVs and PHEVs help improve air quality! |
| Lower running costs: | It is a misconception that electric cars are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars. In fact, when electric cars costs are assessed on a life cycle basis, it is clear that EVs are cheaper to drive per km than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For a start, charging an EV battery can cost as little as 5 €, and in most cases less than 10 €. However, refuelling a tank of fuel can cost up to 120 € (if not more!). An EV costs between 5 and 10 cents per km to drive, significantly lower compared to the cost of driving a petrol or diesel car. |
| Lower maintenance costs: | This is applicable only for BEVs. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) and therefore there is less that can go wrong i.e. lower maintenance costs. |
| Lower risk of breakdown: | Given the fewer moving parts in an electric car, it is not surprising that EVs have a lower probability for a breakdown compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Most EV drivers have become astute at ‘topping up’ the EV battery on a regular basis to avoid the risk of being stranded due to an empty EV battery, one of the reasons for seeking breakdown assistance. |
| Convenience of charging at home: | Convenience: an EV can be charged at the convenience of your own home or office (no need to visit a petrol station!). In fact, most EVs are charged overnight at home, when the energy prices are the cheapest! |
| Lower energy price volatility: | EV charging costs have a lower price volatility and lower risk of price inflation, compared to petrol prices (petrol prices continue to negatively impact household finances as fuel prices increase). |
| Solar panels can significantly reduce charging costs: | Residential solar panels can be used to lower the cost of charging. Using residential PV solar, the cost of generating and consuming electricity is nominal, if not free (apart from the upfront costs). Both residential and commercial solar installations (for business premises) are ways to hedge against energy price inflation and achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. |
| Lower noise pollution: | In general, electric cars are silent with an in-built artificial noise generator primarily for pedestrian safety. The lower noise from EVs help improve the quality of our living environment, in particular, those living close to busy roads and thoroughfares. |
| Instant torque: | Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) have better torque performance than internal combustion engines, hence the ‘torqueof the town’! If in doubt, look at a traffic light that has both these types of cars. As the signal changes to green, the electric car will quickly leave behind the diesel and petrol cars. The primary reason for the superior acceleration in electric cars, is that, electric vehicles deliver ‘peak or maximum torque’ instantaneously, producing immediate acceleration. However, petrol and diesel cars take time to reach maximum or peak torque. In particular, diesel cars are known for being sluggish. Bottom-line, the better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving EVs compared to conventional cars. |
| Better for the environment: | Yes, apart from air pollution, in general, electric vehicles are better for the environment, given the lack of dependence on polluting fossil fuels. |
The Cons For Electric Cars
| Cons: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
| Retail prices expensive: | It is true, in that, EVs are still expensive in regards to the retail price, compared to an equivalent petrol/ diesel car. However, the past few years has witnessed a reduction in the prices for EVs, along with the emergence of many affordable EV models. Moreover, aspiring owners of EVs have been able to take advantage of public grants. In our view, as the EV sector continues to mature with increased manufacturing volumes, consumer will gain from the inevitable price reduction as a result of the increased economies of scale. Moreover, the best way to acquire a car, is usually through a competitive financing plan like a lease, contract hire etc, making the acquisition of an EV affordable for many. |
| Limited DC charging infrastructure: | Though 80% of EV charging is done overnight at home, public EV charging infrastructure remains a focal point for debates and aspiring/ current owners of EVs. In Ireland the public EV charging network is growing (2,000 charging points, mostly in urban areas). However, we agree that rapid DC charging infrastructure still needs to be deployed more widespread, helping EV drivers achieve a 0% – 80% EV battery charge in under 30 minutes. |
| Limited choice of EVs: | There is no doubt that there has been a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) that have been introduced over the past three years. However, the number of available pure electric cars are still limited in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicles. As global automotive manufacturers ramp-up the development and production of EVs, we expect the ‘consumer choice’ to widen significantly. |
| Limited availability of used EVs: | Given the relatively nascent nature of the EV sector, it is not surprising that the used electric car market is still very small. We do expect the used EV marketplace to improve significantly in the coming years, giving aspiring EV owners a vast choice at competitive prices. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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