Electric-Performance Brand Polestar Announces EV Charging Partnership with ChargePoint

author: FutureCar Staff    

Polestar Cars, the new electric-only automotive brand jointly owned by Swedish automaker Volvo Cars and Chinese automaker Geely, announced a partnership with EV charging provider ChargePoint that will give Polestar drivers access to one of the world's largest EV charging networks.

The Polestar 2 is the world's first production vehicle to come with Google's Android OS built-in, meaning that drivers do not have to sync a smartphone for access to popular Google apps such as Maps, Play and voice-powered Assistant. 

Drivers of the Polestar 2 fastback will be able to access ChargePoint's embedded charging app right from the vehicle's Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system. 

ChargePoint offers automakers like Polestar access to its EV charging station map data, which integrates with the vehicle's in-dash navigation unit. 

The new Android-based ChargePoint app for the Polestar 2 eliminates the need for drivers to pull out their smartphones or RFID card to initiate or pay for a charging session, making charging an easier process for drivers.  

The app provides an easy way for drivers to locate and navigate to available stations nearby, start a charging session and pay if required, all via the center touchscreen display in the Polestar 2.

The goal of the partnership is to make charging a Polestar vehicle as easy as filling up the gas tank of a conventional vehicle. 

The app can be downloaded directly into the Polestar 2 infotainment system in the same way apps are added to an Android smartphone. The open Android platform in the Polestar 2 also allows developers to build third-party apps for the vehicle, which will likely be a trend in the future.

The ChargePoint app for the Polestar 2 will be available later this week in the Google Play store. 

"We are thrilled to bring our customers access to thousands of charging locations across America, matched with a premium home charger offering for the convenience of always leaving with a full battery," said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar USA. "With many of our customers switching over directly from internal combustion, charging is a central component of our consumer education process and the overall customer experience. We know ChargePoint is the right partner for this critical need and the new app signals our intent to co-develop new technologies for the benefit of our customers."

The Polestar 2 is the world's first production vehicle to come with an infotainment system powered by Google's Android Automotive OS

ChargePoint, which is based in Silicon Valley, is one of the oldest and largest EV charging providers in the U.S. The company was founded in 2007 back when there were not many EVs on the roads. Over the years, ChargePoint has continuously expanded its network, which now includes roughly 115,000 charging stations in North America and Europe.

In August of last year, ChargePoint announced it raised  $127 million in new equity financing. The company's strategic investors include German automakers Daimler AG, BMW and the venture capital arm of oil company Chevron Corp. 

ChargePoint also just completed its business combination with publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Switchback Energy Acquisition Corp and launched its U.S. IPO

The company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the stock symbol "CHPT."

Polestar drivers will be able to access a majority of ChargePoint's public charging network, as well as thousands of additional charging spots through roaming agreements that ChargePoint has entered into with other major charging networks in North America. 

ChargePoint's network offers a range of charging rates, from level 2 to DC fast charging. Most of the company's chargers are located at popular destinations, such as retail locations, office parks, and near major highways.

"The transition to electric is well underway and the future of mobility is proving to be more efficient, easy and connected than ever before, and our partnership with Polestar is an example of this shift," said Bill Loewenthal, Senior Vice President, Product, ChargePoint. "Not only does our partnership with Polestar provide drivers easy access to thousands of level 2 and DC fast places to charge across North America, the in-vehicle integration of the ChargePoint app brings our comprehensive charging ecosystem seamlessly into the in-vehicle experience."

In addition to the new in-car charging options, Polestar drivers will be able to order a ChargePoint Home Flex residential charger along with the online purchase of any Polestar vehicle. This option enables customers to order their chargers online in the same way they order their Polestar vehicles ,since Polestar will not have a network of dealerships and will sell its vehicles online like Tesla does.

Since more than 80% of EV charging takes place at home, drivers can purchase and arrange for home installation of a Home Flex charger before they take delivery of their Polestar vehicle. 

The Home Flex charger can deliver up to 50 amps of current and is adjustable to match any home's electrical supply, according to ChargePoint. 

In addition to the new partnership with new electric brand Polestar, ChargePoint has worked with automakers General Motors, Toyota, Nissan and BMW on charging solutions. 

FutureCar Staff