Auto maker Polestar is to expand its engineering capability with a new facility at the MIRA Technology Park in Motorsport Valley in the Midlands, UK.
The positioning of the new R&D site at MIRA’s automotive testing and development site will enable the OEM to take full advantage of a diverse range of engineering expertise. During the last year, Polestar’s R&D team has doubled in size to 250, and the vehicle manufacturer predicts this will rise to over 500 in the future.
“Going electric is a pivotal moment in the history of cars,” commented Thomas Ingenlath, CEO, Polestar. “The combination of British engineering talent and Swedish expertise will ensure our cars are among the highest performing and most sustainable on the road.”
Working in partnership with Polestar’s Sweden-based R&D team, the UK team will initially focus on the development of the brand’s Precept model ahead of production beginning before 2025.
“Precept is a statement of intent for the brand in terms of design, technology and sustainability,” added Pete Allen, head of R&D UK, Polestar. “The production car will take an important step on the journey towards climate neutrality, and ours will be the team that delivers that.”
The team will have access to an array of specialist equipment for advanced battery testing, a test track network and several other independent operations that will be located at the Technology Park.
The expansion of company R&D comes as Polestar aims to expand its model line-up, alongside the goal of manufacturing the Polestar 3 in the USA and in China.