Cars such as the 2024 Polestar 3 electric SUV have processing capabilities and designs that enable the next generation of driver assist systems that will ensure that occupants are secure on the road and enhance the driving experience. One of these newly integrated features was showcased during the CES 2023 technology event held in Las Vegas this week.
With stronger chipsets and software-defined platforms that are software-defined, the Polestar 3 breaks away from its sister Polestar 2 hatchback sedan on more than just its height and battery power. The Volvo spinoff’s first crossover is built on the brand’s revolutionary SPA2 platform, which it shares with Volvo and is able to accommodate an increased number of software-driven functions, including the driver monitoring system or DMS which is a product of fellow Swedish company Smart Eye that will be included with the Polestar 3 when it’s released.
2024 Polestar 3 Electric SUV Redesign
As shown on a prototype on the floor of the show, in the driver’s seat two cameras of 2-megapixel resolution are incorporated inside the instrument panel to track the driver’s actions. When a driver is in the driver’s seat of their vehicle and starts driving, the DMS monitors their eyes, even behind glasses and in darkness.
The strength of the safety feature lies in the neural network that utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze the data and assess the state of the driver. If the system suspects the driver is distracted, sleepy, or experiencing a medical issue it will try to maintain the vehicle within its lane and try to get the driver’s attention toward the road. If this is not successful in bringing the person back to focus, and they are completely disoriented or in a state of incapacitation it will slow the car to a safe stop within the lane and notify emergency services.
While it’s true that the Polestar 2 has emergency automatic stop aid but the EV does not come with an eye-based DMS that monitors the driver’s gaze. Instead, the feature can detect physical inputs to the steering wheel, such as grasping or touching the wheel to ensure that the driver is attentive. The advanced platform of Polestar 3 will allow this system to handle more information to offer higher levels of assistance for drivers.
The 3 processing power is centralized and housed within one Nvidia supercomputer. “We have more than 20 different sensors to be able to understand the world around the car and to be able to then support the driver,” Dennis Nobelius the chief operating officer of Polestar spoke about the company’s capabilities in the CES interview.
Interior
In addition to cameras, the company has installed radar in the cabin. The sensors inside the cabin can detect heartbeats and can be lifesaving for parents or any person who is prone to leaving the pet or child left in the car unattended. If the system detects that the seats are used by people, not just heavy bags or bulky cargo and it keeps the temperature control on to keep the interior from getting too hot.
Polestar’s capabilities aren’t only about safety. The Swedish company has announced gaming capabilities at CES 2023. The company hopes to keep passengers entertained while they’re being parked or at a public charging point. Nobelius claimed that the gaming capability is dependent on the new chips Polestars will feature. “You will be able to access Fortnite or whatever game you would like in the car through a controller using the screen in the car through a gaming cloud that Nvidia is providing,” he said.
The possibilities of new features are endless However, the company has a plan which will eventually lead to autonomous cars. The company has announced that Polestar 3 will also feature Google’s high-definition maps, which can provide greater accuracy for the Level 2 driver assistance functions and, eventually Level 3 mixed autonomy with driver input when it adds lidar sensors to the mix. Polestar 3 will be on display at the CES event in Las Vegas through Sunday.
Exterior
The exterior is elegant and somewhat familiar. There’s a touch like a Volvo “Thor’s hammer” inspiration for the headlamps and an element of XC40 on the rear. The horizontal rear lights remind the look of the design of an Ikea bookshelf. The most distinctive feature can be the forward “spoiler” integrated into the car hood which Polestar claims can improve aerodynamics. Door handles can be retracted, and they make use of a proximity sensor to display themselves when the driver comes up. The standard wheels measure approximately 21 inches across. Extremely large and over the top 22-inch wheels are an option.
The design is a bit bland. It shouldn’t deter potential buyers, but it may not create a brand identity for this brand which could struggle to emerge from Volvo’s shadow.
What Drives It?
Every Polestar 3 comes in a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive. The basic “long range” model has 489 horsepower, giving it an stated 4.9 second 0-to-60-mph speed. Polestar estimates its range to be 300 miles. The official Environmental Protection Agency ratings are not yet available.
The next step into the Performance Pack sees output nudge upwards to 517 horsepower which reduces 0-60 mph times to 4.6 seconds. The range of this model is believed to be around 270 miles.
Both are equipped with an lithium battery of 400 volts, with a capacity of 111 kilowatts and a maximum acceptance rate for public DC charging stations is said to be 250 Kilowatts. The towing capability is 3500lbs. It is important to note that towing using an electric vehicle reduces range significantly.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
True to its Volvo tradition The Polestar 3 comes with an vast array of active safety features. The most notable are automatic emergency braking that includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assistance as well as lane departure alerts, reverse automatic emergency brake, blind spot warning and cross traffic alert as well as the adaptive cruise control.
Two cameras are used to monitor attention levels of drivers. They track eyes, and the information stays inside the vehicle instead of being sent onto the cloud. When the driver has been found to be at a loss, sleepy or in any other way unresponsive the vehicle will issue an alert in the form of a visual message, or an audible warning, and then become so severe that it will stop the vehicle. Polestar 3 goes beyond common door-minders to utilize radar technology to stop pets and children from being misplaced in the car.
Mid-2023, consumers can purchase by mid-2023. Polestar 3 with Pilot Pack with lidar. This will add lidar systems mounted on the roof that includes three cameras as well as 4 ultrasonic sensors. Together, these components will allow for precise, 3D surveillance of the SUV’s surroundings which will enable autonomous driving.
Polestar states in CR that it will make three capable levels of automated driving which means the vehicle will be completely in control, but without the driver having to be in control. (Learn more about the different levels of automation at SAE.) As long as it is legal the vehicle will provide assistance with driving. The system will be updated as time passes by software updates.