I spoke earlier about the fully electric Polestar 2 five-door fastback – Volvo’s premium electric brand built in a joint venture with Geely in China but designed in Sweden.

I drove the top-spec Polestar 2 dual motor all-wheel drive, fully optioned with three special upgrade packs, at $92,400, not inexpensive but a very highly equipped premium car. Only available online this top line Polestar 2 has two synchronised electric motors driving all four wheels producing 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque powered by a 78kWh battery with a claimed range of 480km.

However, I could only get around 420km from a complete charge taking eight hours on a three phase AC outlet. The range dependent on driving style with three adjustable regenerative braking settings putting charge back into the battery.

On the low setting you rarely must touch the brakes such is the retardation from the electric motors. Let me say the whole driving experience is top class, quiet, reassuring in a car that feels rather heavy, and it is. All up weight 2113kgs, around 450 kg heavier than a similar sized petrol car but the battery weight under the floor produces a low centre of gravity and it handles on rails, extremely competent and reassuring on high quality Continental SportContact tyres.

I’m David Berthon.

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