Nearly all major auto manufacturers are now investing in creating a range of electric vehicles (EVs) – from Alfa Romeo to Citroen. The move towards EVs comes from government plans to ban all new sales of combustion engine cars by 2030.
Switching to EVs in the next decade is an inevitable move, and with individual concerns over carbon footprints, many are already taking the leap. This has seen an increase in demand across the industry and has prompted plans to vastly improve infrastructure that will support the use of EVs – e.g., more charging points.
With many more mid-range car manufacturers investing in EV ranges, battery-powered cars are becoming more affordable and widely accessible. Many car dealerships are also now offering a range of car lease deals on electrics to suit a range of incomes.
However, there are few manufacturers who solely produce EVs. Big names include Tesla and Polestar and their products are nothing short of state of the art. If you are fully committed to the EV lifestyle and will only settle for the best of the best, here is a weigh up on the newest models from two industry titans.
Tesla
The Tesla model 3 starts at a stealthy £40,000 and can increase to £55,000 if you opt for the Performance version. It weights 1,836kg and if you end up going for the Performance or Long-Range model, you will enjoy an acceleration from 0-60mph within 3.1 seconds. These two models also boast of a 340-mile range, and Tesla is known for offering the best range across its vehicles.
Polestar
The Polestar 2 will set you back a similar price to the Tesla, especially if you are considering adding on the £5000 performance pack on top. Also available in a Standard or Long-Range form, the Polestar can cover a range of 335 miles on a single charge and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.
It’s true that Tesla wins here in terms of speed, which is down to the Polestar’s heavier makeup, weighing in at 2,123kg. However, the Polestar still feels light to drive on the road –it’s likely you won’t notice much difference in comparison to the Tesla.
So, which is better?
As briefly mentioned, if it’s pure speed you are looking for, the Tesla certainly comes out on top. With the Tesla 3, range anxiety is also reduced thanks to its fantastic coverage and Tesla’s extensive network of Superchargers across the UK. These can power your car with 172 miles in just 15 minutes.
Despite Tesla taking the lead in terms of statistics, the Polestar follows very closely behind.
One big attraction of the Polestar is its luxurious design. As it’s a product of Volvo, it’s architecture is very similar to the previous Volvo ranges. The Tesla in comparison can feel quite bare and minimalistic and certainly differs from what we associate with personal cars today.
Additionally, as it’s a hatchback, the Polestar has a much larger boot and is a lot more spacious inside, making it arguably more practical for families.
The verdict?
In terms of technology and innovativeness, the Tesla is a clear winner. However, that’s not to say that the Polestar is an excellent car, it’s just the Tesla continues to have that edge. However, if you are concerned about practicality, the Polestar may be for you.
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