2021 Polestar 1 Drive systems
Drive modes
Drive modes enable easy access to the vehicle’s many functions and settings in different driving situations. Each drive mode is adapted to help optimize driving characteristics.
- Steering
- Engine/transmission/all-wheel drive
- Brakes
- Instrument panel
- Climate control settings
Select the drive mode that is adapted to the current driving conditions. Keep in mind that not all drive modes are available in all situations.
Available drive modes
Please be aware that there is no sound from the engine when the vehicle is being powered on electricity and it may be difficult to detect by children, pedestrians, cyclists and animals. This is particularly true at low speeds, e.g. in parking lots.
Do not leave the vehicle in an unventilated area with a drive mode activated and the combustion engine switched off. The engine will start automatically if the charge level in the hybrid battery is low and the resulting exhaust gases can be very harmful to people and animals.
Hybrid
- This is the vehicle’s normal mode when the two electric motors and the combustion engine are working together.
The vehicle starts in Hybrid mode. The control system uses both the electric motor and the gasoline engine – separately or in tandem – and adapts utilization with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. Driving capacity on the electric motors alone is determined by factors such as the hybrid batteries’ charge level, the need for heating or cooling in the passenger compartment, etc.
With a well-charged hybrid battery, it is possible to drive solely on electric power. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, only the electric motors will be activated until the batteries reach a certain charge level. Above this level, the current in the battery cannot supply the power requested by the accelerator pedal and the combustion engine will start.
When the hybrid battery’s charge level is low, the combustion engine will start more frequently to save the remaining current in the battery. Rapid-charge the vehicle or charge the hybrid battery from a 120-240 V outlet using the charging cable. Alternatively, activate Charge in Function view to restore the ability to drive using only electric propulsion.
This drive mode is designed for low energy consumption with a mix between the electric motor and gasoline engine, without compromising on climate comfort or driving experience. When faster acceleration is requested by the driver, the electric driveline will be utilized to help provide maximum additional power.
The vehicle also monitors the driving conditions and automatically engages all-wheel drive if necessary. All-wheel drive and extra electric power are always available regardless of the battery’s charging status.
Information in the instrument panel
When driving in Hybrid mode, a hybrid gauge will be displayed in the instrument panel. The gauge will indicate the amount of electrical current required when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. The marker between the lightning and the drop shows how much current is available.
The instrument panel gauge when both the electric motor and the combustion engine are being used.
The instrument panel also shows how much current is being restored to the battery (regenerated) during light braking.
Pure
- Uses the electric motors only, with the lowest possible energy consumption and lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions.
This drive mode is fully electric and the vehicle is propelled using the rear-axle electric motors, which means that the vehicle is rear-wheel driven.
This drive mode may be unavailable
- if the vehicle’s speed goes above 160 km/h (100 mph)
- if the hybrid battery charge level is too low
- if factors such as cold weather affect the system or components.
Pure mode is adapted for the longest possible driving distance with electric propulsion and is primarily intended for use in city driving. This drive mode does not offer four-wheel drive. This can cause some limitations in poor road conditions or cold weather.
Constant AWD
- Improves the vehicle’s traction and handling by increasing all-wheel drive.
This drive mode locks the vehicle in all-wheel drive. An adapted distribution between front and rear axle torque provides effective control, stability and traction, e.g. on slippery roads or when towing another vehicle. The Constant AWD drive mode is always available regardless of the hybrid battery’s charge status.
Both the combustion engine and the electric motors are engaged to enable all-wheel drive, which results in higher fuel consumption.
In drive modes other than Pure mode, the vehicle automatically adapts the need for all-wheel drive according to the road surface, and can activate the electric motors or start the gasoline engine as needed.
Power
- The vehicle gets sportier driving characteristics and a faster acceleration response.
This drive mode adapts the combined power from the combustion engine and the electric motors by providing power to both the front and rear wheels. Gear shifting will be faster and more distinct and the transmission will prioritize gears with a higher traction force.
Both the combustion engine and the electric motors are engaged to enable all-wheel drive, which results in higher fuel consumption.
This drive mode is adapted for optimal performance and response during acceleration. It changes the throttle response, gear shifting program and turbo boost system. Brake response is also adapted. The Power drive mode is always available regardless of the hybrid battery’s charge status.
Individual
- Customizes drive mode to personal preferences.
Select one of the drive modes as a basis and adjust the settings to achieve your preferred driving characteristics. These settings will be stored in your driver profile.
Individual drive mode is only available if it has been activated in the center display
Settings view for Individual drive mode.
- Tap Settings in the Top view.
- Tap and select Individual Drive Mode.
- Under Presets, select one of the following drive modes as a basis: Pure, Hybridor Power.The following settings can be modified:
- Driver Display
- Steering Force
- Powertrain Characteristics
Using the electric or combustion engine
- An advanced control system determines the distance that the vehicle can be driven on the combustion engine, electric motors, or all three at the same time.
- Its primary function is to use the motor/engine and the current available in the hybrid battery as efficiently as possible based on the characteristics of the various drive modes and the power output requested by the driver by pressing the accelerator pedal.
- In certain cases, temporary limitations in the system or mandatory functions to help maintain a low overall emissions level may result in greater use of the combustion engine.
Drive systems
Two drive systems
Depending on the selected drive mode and power available in the electric motors, the drive systems can either be used separately or in tandem.
The electric motors are supplied current from the hybrid batteries. One is located in the tunnel console and the other behind the rear seat in the trunk. The hybrid batteries can be charged from wall outlets or at a special charging station. The gasoline engine can also charge the hybrid batteries using a special high-voltage generator.
Both the gasoline engine and the electric motors can generate power directly to the wheels. An advanced control system coordinates both the drive systems to help optimize the driving economy.
- Hybrid batteries – The vehicle is equipped with two hybrid batteries. The function of the hybrid batteries is to store energy. This energy is provided by plugging the charging cable into an electrical outlet, through regenerative braking or from the high-voltage generator. The batteries provide energy for electric propulsion and e.g. preconditioning.
- Gasoline engine – The gasoline engine starts when the charge level in the hybrid batteries is too low to provide the power output requested by the driver.
- High-voltage generator – The high-voltage generator charges the high-voltage batteries. It also functions as a starter motor for the gasoline engine. Can provide the combustion engine with extra electrical current.
- Electric motors – The vehicle is equipped with two electric motors that power the vehicle in electric mode. They provide extra torque and power during acceleration as well as electric four-wheel drive functionality.
- The electric motors provide adapted power to each rear wheel for extra stability, for example when cornering. They regenerate braking energy into electrical current.
Starting and stopping the gasoline engine
Climate settings at low temperatures
At low ambient temperatures, the combustion engine will sometimes start automatically to help achieve the desired passenger compartment temperature and air quality. The amount of time the combustion engine is running can be affected by
- lowering the temperature
- reducing blower speed
- activating Pure drive mode.
Using the electric motor in hot or cold weather
At very low or high ambient temperatures, the electric motor’s driving range and power may be reduced and affect how often the combustion engine automatically starts.
Emission control system
To help ensure that the emission control system is as energy-efficient as possible, the combustion engine will run for several minutes after it is started. The amount of time the combustion engine needs to be used varies depending on the temperature of the three-way catalytic converter.
California Proposition 65
Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.