Using the drive modes it is possible to quickly have access to the car's numerous functions and settings for different driving needs. Each drive mode is adapted to provide optimum driving characteristics:
- Steering
- Engine/gearbox
- Brakes
- Shock absorption
- Driver display
- Climate settings
Select the drive mode adapted for the current driving conditions. Remember that not all drive modes are available in all situations.
Selectable drive modes
Warning
Since the car does not emit any engine noise when it is only powered by the electric motor, there is an artificial exterior noise in the background at low speed and when reversing. The purpose of this warning noise is so that road users outside the car, such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and animals, should more easily notice the car and avoid the risk of being run over.
Hybrid
- This is the car's normal mode where the electric motor and internal combustion engine work together.
When the car starts, it is in the Hybrid mode. The control system uses both the electric motor and internal combustion engine – individually or in parallel – and adapts use with regard to performance, fuel consumption and comfort. The capacity to run solely with the electric motor depends on the hybrid battery's energy level and, for example, the need for heating or cooling in the passenger compartment.
If high power output is available, it is possible to drive with electrical power alone. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, only the electric motor is activated until a certain position is reached. The internal combustion engine starts when this position is exceeded and the energy level in the battery is insufficient for the engine power that the driver requests with the accelerator pedal.
At low energy level (hybrid battery almost empty) the battery's energy level must be maintained, leading to the internal combustion engine starting more often. Charge the hybrid battery from a 230 VAC socket with the charging cable, or activate Charge in the function view in order to restore the capacity to run on electricity alone.
The drive mode is designed for low energy consumption with a mix of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, without compromising the climate comfort and driving experience. When higher acceleration is required, maximum additional power from the electric drive line is used.
Information in the driver display
When driving in hybrid mode the driver display shows a hybrid gauge. The pointer in the hybrid gauge indicates how much energy the driver requests with the accelerator pedal. The marking between the lightning bolt and the drop shows how much energy is available.
The driver display also shows when energy is returned to the battery (regenerated) during light braking.
Pure
- Drive the car with electric motor, with energy consumption as low as possible and with lowest possible carbon dioxide emissions.
The drive mode prioritises driving on the hybrid battery. This means, for example, that the output of certain climate settings is reduced to provide the longest possible mileage on electric power alone.
The Pure mode is available when the hybrid battery has a sufficiently high State of Charge (SoC) and power output, which may be affected by temperature. When the internal combustion engine starts, the drive mode automatically changes to the Hybrid mode until the driver has the opportunity to select the Pure mode again.
- if the battery's State of Charge (SoC) is too low
- if the driver fully depresses the accelerator pedal.
- if the battery's State of Charge (SoC) is too low
- if the speed exceeds 140 km/h (87 mph) (does not apply when driving downhill, etc.)
- in the event of system/component limitations e.g. low outside temperature.
Note
The drive mode is adapted for maximum range with electric propulsion and especially developed for urban traffic. Pure means lowest combustion even when the hybrid battery is empty.
ECO climate control
In the Pure drive mode, eco climate control is activated automatically in the passenger compartment in order to reduce energy consumption.
Note
In the event of difficulties due to misting, press the button for max. defroster which has normal functionality.
Power
- The car has sportier characteristics and faster response to accelerating.
The drive mode adapts the combined output of the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The gear changes become faster and more distinct, and the gearbox prioritises a gear with greater traction. Steering response is faster and shock absorption is harder.
The drive mode is adapted for maximum performance and response on acceleration. It changes the internal combustion engine's accelerator pedal response, gear shift pattern and boost pressure system. Chassis settings, steering and brake response are also as good as possible. Power drive mode is always available regardless of the battery's state of charge.
The Power mode is also available in the Polestar Engineered version*.
Individual
- Adapting a drive mode according to individual preferences.
Select a drive mode to start from, and then adjust the settings according to the desired driving characteristics. These settings are saved in an individual driver profile.
An individual drive mode is only available if it is first activated in the centre display.
In Presets, select a drive mode to start from: Pure, Hybrid, Power or Polestar Engineered*.
Possible adjustments apply to settings for:
- Driver Display
- Steering Force
- Powertrain Characteristics
- Brake Characteristics
- Suspension Control
- ECO Climate
Using the electric motor or internal combustion engine
An advanced control system determines the extent to which the car is driven on internal combustion engine, electric motor or both in parallel.
The primary function is to use the engine or motor and the available energy in the hybrid battery as efficiently as possible, with regard to the characteristics of the different drive modes as well as the driver's request for power via the accelerator pedal.
There are also cases where temporary limitations in the system, or functions governed by legal requirements aimed at maintaining a low level of total emissions for the car, may use the internal combustion engine to a greater extent.