Polestar 5 to be faster and lighter with new bonded aluminium platform
Polestar has confirmed that its forthcoming Polestar 5 electric performance 4-door GT will feature a bespoke bonded aluminium platform.
Bonded aluminium is lightweight and rigid, offering performance and environmental advantages. While this technology has previously proven labour-intensive and difficult to use in mass production vehicles without sacrificing quality, Polestar’s 280-strong team of former Formula 1, low volume and bespoke sports cars engineers have resolved this challenge by developing an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both body and platform in unison.
As a result of the new materials and techniques involved, the body-in-white (completed platform and body) is expected to weigh less than that of cars in smaller segments, contributing to improved vehicle efficiency, real-world EV range and dynamic responsiveness, all while delivering leading safety levels. The new bonded aluminium platform will also help drive faster product introduction, high quality and platform rigidity.
“Our UK R&D team is one of Polestar’s greatest assets,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Their mix of engineering and technological expertise enables us to develop advanced, light-weight sports car technology with a creative mindset and a spirit that embraces innovative engineering. This will set Polestar apart in the years to come.”
Development of Polestar 5 continues at pace, with global efforts led by a growing UK R&D unit, which is expected to grow to approximately 500 engineers in the coming months and will continue to play a critical role in enhancing Polestar’s in-house R&D capabilities. More details on Polestar 5 will continue to surface as the YouTube documentary series “Precept: From Concept to Car” details how the Polestar Precept evolves into the production car.
“We knew we wanted this car to be light-weight, we knew we wanted high quality and we knew we wanted it quickly,” added Pete Allen, head of Polestar UK R&D. “This architecture delivers outstanding dynamic and safety attributes, with low investment technology applicable to high production volumes.”