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2024 Polestar 2

As Polestar will begin deliveries of the 2024 model year version of its flagship 2 sedan, we got the invite to Denver, Colorado, to not only test the sporty dual-motor but to also test the automaker’s new single-motor version, which includes rear-wheel drive.

Each day, Polestar ($PSNY) becomes a relatively young EV brand that garners more interest from the general public. Following last year’s Super Bowl commercial featuring the Polestar 2, I personally have had several friends and family inquire about the brand.

Despite realistically only offering one model right now, Polestar has continued to bolster sales and make top brand popularity lists in countries like Germany. As for the Polestar 2, well, I personally am well versed in this flagship BEV, dating back to 2021.

To date, I’ve driven the 2022 Long Range Single Motor Polestar 2, the 2023 Dual Motor, and even the limited edition, high-performance BST 270. In between drives, I’ve covered many details of the Geely- and Volvo-owned automaker, including the four additional EVs in the pipeline that will follow the Polestar 2.

Since January, Polestar has been teasing a RWD version of the Single Motor 2, a first-ever for the company and a real marvel in engineering when you learn more about it. By June, we had learned the pricing of the 2024 Polestar 2 models, in addition to some bolstered specs on both powertrain configurations.

Last week, I got the invite out to Denver to experience the 2024 models myself while taking in the beautiful vistas up in the mountains. Here are my thoughts.

2024 Polestar 2 sees major upgrades where it counts

Right out of the gate, I want to let you know there have been relatively no updates to the interior of the 2024 Polestar 2 compared to a year prior, so today’s focus will be entirely on the exterior, the drivetrains, and of course, the driving itself.

Let’s start with the biggest changes to the model year 2024 sedan: powertrain upgrades. This includes new motors and inverters, in addition to a new configuration in the single motor that improves dynamics. These combine for 16 miles of additional range on the dual-motor Polestar 2, all while using the same 78 kWh pack as the 2023 version.

Other additions you can see above include new performance wheels we were told will carry over as design language in future Polestar models (i.e., the 3 and 4 SUVs). Another feature is the “Smartzone,” which integrates radars, cameras, and other sensors into the front of the EV. This design element was first introduced in the Polestar 3, but the 2024 Polestar 2 models will be the first on the road with it.

Dual motors NEVER get old

For the first half of my drive, I started out in the Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 2, complete with the Pilot, Plus, and Performance packages equipped, meaning I had 20-inch Continental performance tires and the aforementioned forged performance wheels.

While leaving Denver, I immediately tested out Polestar’s Pilot Assist ADAS and found it more than adequate. Polestar’s software, in general, is quite good – just minimalist rather than showy or overly complicated. The company is about style and sustainability, not bells and whistles.

Anyway, once we got out of the proper city and onto some winding roads, it was clear I was once again in a Polestar 2. The 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds may seem a little slow on paper, but it is more than adequate for the average driver, and the acceleration never gets old.

When I was weaving through cars on the highway, I found my acceleration and movement instantaneous, and when I passed anyone up in the mountains, I was extremely confident I could do so quickly and safely.

I really want to point out the dynamics of Polestar’s tuning for a second, especially since it’s so apparent on the 2024 Dual Motor Polestar 2. As I mentioned, I’ve driven performance EVs like the BST 270, but for a mass-produced passenger BEV like the new 2, the Polestar engineers still put a lot of expertise into the handling of the vehicle.

Only a drive for yourself can truly describe it, but it’s so sticky and can hug any turn with ease, making it a joy to drive up the mountains of Colorado. For the 2024 version, Polestar replaced the identical motors front and back and put a larger motor in the rear. This supports a dynamic disconnect that will run a single motor to optimize range, which is listed as 247 miles with the Performance Pack (up to 276 miles without).

Overall, I found the vehicle more playful and sporty compared to my previous drives in other model year Polestar 2s. This one had my heart from the get-go, but you know I had to experience the new RWD in the single-motor to see how it compared.

The new RWD Polestar 2 wins in range and charging

While the Dual Motor version of the 2024 Polestar 2 was quite fun to drive, the single-motor RWD version offered the most dramatic refresh compared to last year’s model. As we’ve pointed out several times since Polestar 2 announced the change earlier this year, this is one of the rare instances we’ve seen an automaker move a motor from FWD to RWD on the same platform.

The weight of the car has changed this year because of its larger battery (82 kWh), and the single-motor trim has been tuned differently, but the suspension is the same, and it is now rear-wheel heavy, making it much more of a joy to drive in my opinion. Polestar’s product launch manager, John Quinn, also pointed out that there is virtually no compromise for consumers in choosing the 2024 single-motor Polestar 2 – unless, of course, they require AWD for their local terrain.

Other upgrades include an increase of 69 horsepower (299 total) and 118 extra lb-ft of torque (361 lb-ft in all). Additionally, the 440V platform can charge as high as 220 kW, charging 10-80% in 25-28 mins – a 20% speed increase, according to Polestar.

The biggest perk, however, is the single motor’s 320-mile range. Adding 60 miles of EPA range in a refresh is a huge jump, plus getting over the 300-mile hump goes a long way with prospective consumers who still think they need more range than they actually do.

The second half of the drive was all downhill, going back the exact way I had come up, just with one less motor beneath me. The single-motor version of the 2024 Polestar 2 was more than adequate, but it was a tougher transition to go from the dual-motor, in my opinion. The acceleration was still good, but it lacked the oomph of the dual-motor for obvious reasons.

Still, the dynamics were top-notch, as they always are with Polestar, and I still had no trouble passing Toyotas and other slow vehicles on straightaways. There were some hairpin turns on the way back down, and the single rear motor made for a fun configuration to get the tires squealing and whip that back end around a bit. That’s much harder to do with two motors, so I’d say that was another perk.

Pricing and availability of the 2024 Polestar 2

Compared to previous model years, pricing of the Polestar 2 has gone up, but you’re getting more bang for your buck this year, especially when you consider that the 2023 refresh was mostly aesthetic.

The new RWD, single-motor version of the Polestar 2 starts at $49,900, while the dual-motor version starts at $55,300. Note this includes the Pilot Pack standard but will cost an additional $5,500 for the Performance Pack (also includes Plus Pack valued at $2,200).

Also, note prices do not include $1,400 destination fees.

Orders are open now on Polestar’s website, with deliveries expected in November 2023 if you order today.

Electrek’s Take

Overall, I’m a much bigger fan of the Dual-Motor Polestar 2 because it’s simply more fun to drive. That being said, logic tells me the single motor is the smart play because of its lower price and it’s still fun to drive. That range too. I think that will go a long way with buyers and has the making to further expand Polestar’s brand recognition to the masses.

Price remains a hurdle for this automaker, in my opinion. I’d describe it as a premium brand but not a luxury brand. The performance you get is absolutely competitive but not industry-leading in any category.

What Polestar is selling, however, are beautifully designed BEVs that are built with sustainability in mind. Creating beautiful interiors that are still sustainable is tough, but this automaker has it down to an art form.

Tuning is also a huge selling point for Polestar as I believe the 2 always offers some of the smoothest feels when driving, but how do you relay that to consumers aside from test drives? Overall, this is a big refresh for Polestar, which is nice to see, considering it has its hands full with four (or more) additional EVs coming each year. It’s nice to see they’re just letting the Polestar 2 drift away like we’ve seen with other flagship EVs like the Nissan LEAF.

Go give this one a drive, preferably on some winding roads if you have any near you. I’m interested to hear what you think.

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Environment

This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

Published

8 hours ago

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August 2, 2025

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This 50% recycled glass solar panel performs like brand new

recycled glass solar panel
Photo: SOLARCYCLE

Solar panel recycler SOLARCYCLE and Arizona State University just proved that solar panels made with recycled glass work just as well as new ones.

In a new collaboration with Arizona State’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the solar recycling company created a prototype solar panel – what they call a “mini module”– using 50% recycled glass pulled from end-of-life solar panels. The mini module matched the performance of panels made entirely with new materials.

The research was led by Dr. Zachary Holman, Arizona State’s vice dean for research and innovation, and his team. Researcher Kate Fisher built and tested two sets of panels: one using only new glass, and the other using a 50/50 mix of new and recycled glass cullet. The recycled material came from panels processed using SOLARCYCLE’s technology.

Using industry-standard power conversion efficiency tests, the results were clear: There was no statistically significant difference in how the two types of panels performed.

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“This is exactly the kind of result we hope for when industry and academia collaborate,” said Holman. “Together, we proved that you don’t have to sacrifice performance to build solar panels more sustainably.”

This isn’t just a one-off science experiment. SOLARCYCLE says the recycled-glass panel is part of a bigger plan to make solar manufacturing more circular – and less wasteful. The company plans to build a solar glass factory in Cedartown, Georgia, next to its existing recycling factory. It’ll be the first in the world to use recycled cullet like this at commercial scale.

“By proving we can manufacture new solar panels using recycled materials that produce at peak performance levels, we’re taking a major step toward making the solar industry more sustainable, scalable, and self-reliant,” said SOLARCYCLE’s CTO and co-founder, Pablo Dias.

Read more: SOLARCYCLE’s new plant will recycle 25% of all US end-of-life solar panels in 2030

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Environment

EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from $113, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to $3,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

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12 hours ago

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August 1, 2025

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EcoFlow TRAIL power stations launch from 3, Exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 savings (up to ,150 off), Lectric Back to School Sale, more

We’re closing this week’s Green Deals coverage with some major launches and one of our favorite e-bike brand’s next big sale, starting with the launch of EcoFlow’s new TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh and TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh power stations, along with plenty of bundle options and some extra savings – all starting from $113. Following right behind it is the exclusive early-bird savings (up to $3,150) on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station and bundles that start from $1,439, as well as Lectric’s Back to School Sale that is taking up to $654 off e-bike bundles, with many seeing increased packages, like the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are getting $365 in free gear starting from $999. We also have Greenworks’ Pro-grade 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer back at its 2025 low, as well as Worx’s 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike low price, Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera savings, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow launches new TRAIL 60,000mAh and 90,000mAh power stations with bundles, free gear, and extra savings from $113

EcoFlow is launching its newest and most compact series of power stations with some significant savings, starting with the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station at $113.05 shipped, after using the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is at $151.05 shipped, after using the same promo code – and both are also getting a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger ($26 value) along with the purchase. These two new personal backup power solutions will go for $200 and $250 at full price, getting cut down to $119 and $159 in initial discounts, but you’ll also be shedding an extra $6 and $8 thanks to the bonus savings code – for combined $113 and $125 markdowns (including the free chargers) that set the bar for future discounts. Head below to learn more and browse all the bundle offers.

These new EcoFlow TRAIL 200 DC and 300 DC power stations are the brand’s most compact backup power solutions to date, rivaling Anker’s PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations in their portability and performance. The 200 DC model weighs in at four pounds and sports a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, while the 300 DC is under six pounds, sitting higher at a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 capacity. You’ll get up to 220W and 300W output power with these units, with the 200 DC providing two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port, while the 300 DC has the same USB-A ports but two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet.

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The EcoFlow TRAIL DC power stations come with loads of protection measures against overvoltage, overloading, short circuiting, various temperature spikes or drops, overcurrent, and more. There are also built-in woven handles that make carrying them all the easier, though with their small designs, they can also easily stow away inside your bag. You can charge both via a standard wall outlet at up to 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC bringing a 110W max solar input into the mix for solar charging.

***Note: The extra savings has not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFTRAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off your order. All the following offers also come with a free RAPID 30W GaN Charger too!

EcoFlow TRAIL power station launch offers:

Bluetti Apex 300 versatile power station

Score up to $3,150 in exclusive savings on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 versatile power station and bundles starting from $1,439

Bluetti is officially launching its new Apex 300 Versatile Power Station along with several bundle options at up to $2,600 off in initial early-bird discounts alongside an exclusive 10% bonus savings for our readers. Things start with the lone Apex 300 Power Station at $1,439.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout for an additional 10% off your order. This new backup power unit will normally fetch $2,399 at full price once the early-bird savings ends, but you can take advantage of these first-time savings now to score a $960 markdown that sets the bar for future discounts in the future. Head below to get the rundown on this station’s capabilities and check out the many bundle offers also available.

If you want to learn more about this all-new power station’s monstrous capabilities and the many bundle offers we’re seeing during this launch, be sure to check out our original coverage of these exclusive deals here.

lectric xp lite 2.0 e-bike

Head back to school on Lectric’s XP Lite 2.0 folding e-bikes with $365 in free gear from $999, more bundles up to $654 off

Lectric has launched its Back to School Sale that is offering up to $654 in free gear accompanying e-bike purchases, with a bunch of models seeing increased bundle sizes this time around – plus some select accessory savings too. One such model is the XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes that are all coming with $365 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the XP Lite 2.0 JW Long-Range e-bike gets the same bundle at $1,099 shipped. You’d normally have to pay $1,364 and $1,464, respectively for these same packages at full price, but as you’re likely aware by now, the savings come in the form of the bundled gear rather than actual price cuts on the bikes themselves. We’ve been seeing these models getting much smaller bundles between $100 and $200 over the last few months, but now they’re increasing in size just in time for students prepping for their upcoming class commutes. Head below for more on these and the other deals during this sale.

If you want to learn more about these lightweight models or the other e-bike bundle deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

greenworks pro 2,700 PSI electric pressure washer stands in driveway in front of garage door

Get 2,700 PSI power through this Greenworks Pro-grade electric pressure washer + foam cannon at $360

Amazon is bringing back the best pricing of 2025 on the Greenworks Pro 2,700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Foam Cannon at $359.99 shipped. This particular model with the added foam cannon bundle isn’t available directly from the brand’s website, with it normally fetching $450 at full price. In 2025 we’ve seen three previous discounts to this same repeating rate, with today’s deal following suit for a fourth-time opportunity, giving you a 20% markdown for $90 in savings at the second-best price we have tracked – $45 above the all-time low last spotted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

If you want to learn more about this electric pressure washer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man cutting log with Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw

Worx’s 6.2-pound 20V PowerShare 10-inch cordless chainsaw returns to annual $100 low, more from $158

Amazon is returning the best 2025 pricing on the Worx 20V PowerShare 10-inch Cordless Chainsaw for $99.99 shipped. It’s coming down off its usual $120 price tag, and is currently going for as much directly from the brand’s website. It was priced down to $104 during Prime Day, with that rate beaten out here today as the best price we have tracked in 2025 – landing it just $11 above the all-time low that we haven’t seen in quite some time. Head below to learn more about this model and its pole saw bundle counterpart option.

If you want to learn more about this model or its pole/chainsaw upgrade package, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Environment

Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Published

12 hours ago

on

August 1, 2025

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Trump just killed all offshore wind zones as US power needs surge

Trump offshore wind zones
Photo: Avangrid

Trump’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is rescinding every single Wind Energy Area (WEA) in US federal waters, wiping out over 3.5 million acres of zones once earmarked for offshore wind development.

This masochistic move is part of Trump’s January 2025 executive order halting all offshore wind leasing and ordering a review of wind permitting. It follows a new directive from his Interior Department — “Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources.”

This is pure propaganda politics, not energy policy.

Trump has spent years spreading lies about offshore wind farms, from calling them “bird graveyards” to wrongly blaming them for whale deaths. Now his administration is taking a wrecking ball to one of the country’s most promising clean energy industries – just as the aging US grid faces unprecedented strain from climate change, EV adoption, and the explosion of data centers that demand massive electricity.

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Offshore wind is not unreliable. It’s already producing clean power for homes and businesses all over the world, including the US. In fact, many of the world’s most successful offshore wind developers — including European firms — have decades of experience building turbines in deep waters and tough weather. These companies work hand-in-hand with US firms, bringing expertise and creating good-paying American jobs, from manufacturing to port construction to long-term operations and maintenance.

The government’s rollback affects critical areas for future wind projects in the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Central Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, California, and Oregon. By removing these designated offshore zones, Trump’s BOEM is essentially canceling the roadmap for the US’s offshore wind future – one that would have powered millions of homes, stabilized energy costs, and brought climate benefits when we need them most.

Jason Walsh, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance, released a statement in response to this destructive decision:

Donald Trump should support the country’s progress and do everything he can to foster more resources for the people. Instead, he is trying to wipe an entire sector of the energy industry off the board at a time when our electric grid is overburdened and electric bills are rising. Attacking offshore wind will put America behind its foreign competitors, kill jobs, and weaken our energy sector.

This isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a jobs issue, a climate issue, and a national competitiveness issue. At a time when we need more power on the grid, more affordable energy, and more tools to fight climate change, the Trump administration is deliberately dismantling a homegrown solution. We will all pay for it with our wallets, and our kids will pay with their futures. Europe and China’s offshore wind industries are leaving the US in the dust.

Read more: Trump blocked wind projects, and now 17 states and DC are suing

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. 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. It has 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 Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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