We recorded this episode of The InEVitable a few weeks before yesterday’s news that Polestar will leave the U.S. market in 2027. While we’re disappointed to see the all-electric performance brand, born of Volvo, leave our shores, the conversation with Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s head of driving dynamics, is a good one. It provides background on the thinking and dynamics behind the Polestars that are already here and insight into vehicles like the Polestar 5 that are now forbidden fruit to performance-hungry American drivers.
For those who don’t know, Polestar started as a Volvo racing team and tuner in Sweden before becoming a fully owned subbrand in 2015. This led to dedicated Polestar-badged Volvos, including some favorites, like the V60 Polestar. After China’s Geely Auto Group took controlling interest in Volvo’s automotive division, Polestar pivoted to become the group’s premium EV brand.
Chinese ownership, which ultimately led to Polestar’s U.S. exit, frames a lot of our conversation with Rydholm, as we discuss the intricacies of going electric while delivering a specific and special kind of driving feel, informed by Volvo’s Swedish racing and rallying roots.
We also cover Rydholm’s personal history, including his time spent at the other Swedish automotive brand, Saab, and his rally racing and personal stable of vehicles. Rydholm comes off as soft-spoken and modest, but his racing cars and career prove otherwise.
So do the distinct performance characteristics of Polestar vehicles. We dive deep into how Rydholm and his team create a unique Polestar driving experience, in the age of electric motors, batteries, and drive-by-wire systems. How does he dial in steering feel and balance ride and comfort, in a sporty GT like the Polestar 5? Find out on this episode of The InEVitable.
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