EV maker Polestar revealed Tuesday that the 2024 Polestar 2 will start at $51,300 (including destination fee). Although the price is slightly higher than last year’s model, the 2024 version includes more range and new features.
Since its debut in 2020, the Polestar 2 has continued expanding into new markets and territories, propelling car sales to grow by over 500%.
Polestar’s first electric car has been a breakout hit with its Swedish minimalist design, high performance, and fun-to-drive ride that’s loaded with tech and safety features.
Over the years, the Polestar 2 has continued to evolve with OTA updates and new features to improve the driving experience.
Polestar released its new 2024 model earlier this year with several exciting new upgrades, including bigger batteries, more powerful motors, RWD options, and Polestar SmartZone. The SmartZone feature replaces the front grille with a camera and heated radar to act as a third eye for the driver.
2024 Polestar 2 price and trims
The EV maker says the long-range single-motor variant will begin deliveries this summer with a starting price of $49,900 (plus a $1,400 destination fee for a total of $51,300).
Polestar says the new long-range single-motor Polestar 2 features a slew of new standard equipment and faster charging with up to 205 kW DC. The single motor variant will be offered in RWD with up to 320 EPA miles range and 82 kWh battery capacity.
Meanwhile, the new dual motor trim will start at $55,300 (plus a $1,400 destination fee for a total of $56,700). The dual motor will have an AWD drivetrain with up to 276 miles EPA range and 78 kWh battery capacity. It also packs 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
| 2024 Polestar 2 variant | Drivetrain | Battery capacity |
Max Charging Speed |
Estimated Combined EPA Range | Power | 0 to 60 mph | Price (including dest fee) |
| Long range Dual motor | AWD | 78 kWh | 155 kW | 276 miles | 421 hp | 4.3s | $56,700 |
| Long range Single motor | RWD | 82 kWh | 205 kW | 320 miles | 299 hp | 5.9s | $51,300 |
As standard, all 2024 Polestar 2 variants will include features including its Blind Spot Information System with steer assist, Cross Traffic Alert with brake assist, park assist sensors, 360-degree cameras, and auto-dimming door mirrors.
The dual motor variant includes Pilot Assist Driver, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Stop Assist, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, and cornering LED front fog lights. Polestar says the new electric front motor can be disengaged when not required to boost efficiency and range.
Those looking for more performance can opt for the Plus or Performance packs option. The Performance comes with 455 hp, a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds, “Swedish Gold” accents, and more.
The option Plus pack, on the other hand, is $2,200 and includes a range-boosting heat pump, premium sound system, large panoramic roof with a cool reflected Polestar emblem, and an interior air quality system alongside other upgrades.
Polestar says 2024 Polestar 2 deliveries are expected to begin in August 2023 and is available to order on their website.
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Environment
Idaho Power wants to cut solar pay rate to under 1¢ per kWh and charge 8¢ per kWh for electricity
Utility Idaho Power has asked the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to drastically slash the rates it pays rooftop solar customers for excess energy. This move could severely impact solar adoption in Idaho just as electricity rates are climbing.
The utility wants to drop the Export Credit Rates (ECRs) – the amount rooftop solar owners get credited for feeding power back to the grid – by 60%, from the current 6.18 cents per kilowatt-hour to just 2.46 cents. That’s a massive 72% plunge from the previous rate of 8.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, which had stood for over a decade.
If the PUC approves the proposal next Month, the new lower rates will kick in on June 1, right before peak solar-producing months. This shift is part of Idaho Power’s controversial “Net Billing” program approved in December 2023, despite public backlash. Under this new system, ECRs would change every year, making it nearly impossible for residents to calculate the financial returns of their rooftop solar investments – a major deterrent to adopting solar.
The proposed rates would vary seasonally. From October through May, when electricity demand drops, Idaho Power wants to cut solar payments even further by a staggering 80%, paying less than 1 cent per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, it plans to charge non-solar customers at least 8 cents per kilowatt-hour for the same electricity, padding its own profits.
Idaho Power is basing these rate cuts on an internal “Value of Distributed Energy Resources Study” from 2022. However, environmental groups hired independent analysts who argue that Idaho Power’s data selectively undervalues solar power.
“How can our state regulators just let this happen? The PUC is supposed to double-check the utility’s math to make sure Idaho ratepayers aren’t being taken advantage of,” said Lisa Young, director of the Idaho Sierra Club. “Distributed solar is worth more than the retail electricity rate, not less. The PUC needs to stop turning its cheek on corrupted math and letting this monopoly utility pad its pockets even more.”
Idaho Power customers already faced unpopular hikes to their monthly fixed charges from January 2025, when their flat monthly fees rose from $5 to $15. These fixed charges hit low-income residents hardest and discourage energy conservation and rooftop solar.
“People in Idaho go solar because it lowers their power bills, gives them energy freedom and security, and helps the environment,” said Alex McKinley, owner of the local small business Empowered Solar. “Idaho Power is trying to take that opportunity away from people by skewing these rooftop solar rates in its favor. It’s not right.”
Members of the public can submit public comments at puc.idaho.gov/Form/CaseComment and reference Case #IPC-E-25-15.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
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Global EV sales surged to 1.7 million units in March, hitting 4.1 million for Q1 2025 as the EV market continues its robust growth, according to new data from EV research house Rho Motion. Year-over-year sales jumped 29% and marked an impressive 40% month-over-month leap from February.
Europe saw a solid 22% growth in EV sales year-to-date, driven primarily by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which climbed 27%. Germany’s BEV market rose 37%, Italy surged by 64%, and the UK hit a milestone with over 100,000 EVs sold in March alone, a first-time record boosted by new vehicle registrations. France’s EV sales dropped 18%, severely impacted by reduced government subsidies, with BEVs down 5% and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) falling sharply by 47%.
In North America, EV sales increased by 16% in Q1 2025. The market’s outlook remains unclear due to Donald Trump’s recent imposition of substantial tariffs. February’s 25% tariff on auto imports from Canada and Mexico and a broader tariff in March affecting all auto imports are expected to hike consumer prices. With approximately 40% of US EV sales being imported from countries like Japan, Korea, and Mexico, the impact on affordability and market dynamics is likely significant.
China, still the global leader in EV adoption, saw EV sales grow 36% year-over-year in Q1, approaching 1 million units in March alone – a milestone previously reached in August 2024. The US-China tariff crisis will have a minimal impact on China due to the low volume of cross-border EV sales. However, Tesla’s Model X and Model S are exported from the US to China, and the prices for these could nearly double due to tariffs.
Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester said, “This quarter, while turbulent, has seen a strong rate of growth globally for the EV market. Some countries, such as the UK, had a record-breaking March as drivers continue to go electric.
Meanwhile, in North America, forecasts are struggling to keep up with the rate of policy announcements under the current White House administration. What is sure is that the electric vehicle market is already struggling to compete with ICE on cost, so reductions in subsidies and hefty tariffs for a very international supply chain are guaranteed to have a cooling effect on the industry.”
EV sales in Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024, YTD percentage:
- Global: 4.1 million, +29%
- China: 2.4 million, +36%
- Europe: 0.9 million, +22%
- North America: 0.5 million, +16%
- Rest of World: 0.3 million, +27%
The bottom line: EV sales are up month-over-month, quarter-over-quarter, and year-over-year.
Read more: Contrary to popular belief, EV sales grew more in 2024 than 2023
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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