Decoder with Nilay Patel Can Polestar design a new kind of car company?
Jul 13, 2021
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar and former chief design officer at Volvo, dives into the innovative strategies of his electric vehicle company. He discusses Polestar's transition to independence and its asset-light model, along with the challenges of balancing intuition and data-driven decisions in the automotive industry. Ingenlath highlights groundbreaking design elements, including the integration of Android for enhanced user experience, and emphasizes Polestar’s commitment to sustainability while navigating the evolving landscape of electric vehicle charging.
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Polestar's Origin
- Polestar began as a Volvo project and was spun out in 2017.
- It leverages Volvo's infrastructure while developing its own identity.
Polestar's Size and Strategy
- Polestar maintains a small team of around 1,000 people.
- They use contract manufacturing and existing technology platforms to maximize efficiency.
Initial Model Strategy
- Polestar launched with two models: the Polestar 1, a high-end hybrid, and the Polestar 2, an electric sedan.
- This strategy aimed to define the brand's spectrum.