Quarter after quarter, electric vehicle sales set new highs. In the first half of 2022, over 300,000 EVs were driven off the lot and onto the streets in the United States alone. Naturally, these EV sales beg the question: Which one should you buy? With so many options, it can be difficult to narrow things down. Particularly with so many cool, new, and exciting EVs being announced daily. Consider the Toyota bZ3 vs the Polestar 2. How do these two pioneering electric vehicles stack up against one another? And who deserves your money the most?
It’s important to note that the bZ3 has yet to be released. However, it’s worth comparing it to a seasoned veteran like the Polestar 2. You need to know whether the buzz surrounding the bZ3 is worth the wait or if you should go with the cutting-edge EV available now. Let’s compare them, starting with an overview of their key differences and specifications. We’ll examine the vehicles’ histories and advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we’ll know which is superior: the Toyota bZ3 vs the Polestar 2.
Side by Side Comparison of Toyota bZ3 vs Polestar 2
| Toyota bZ3 | Polestar 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | TBD 2023 | March 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Toyota | Polestar/Volvo |
| Base Model Price | $29,000 (estimated) | $45,900 |
| Predecessor | None | Polestar 1 |
| 0-60 MPH | Unknown | 7 seconds (single motor) 4.5 seconds (dual motor) |
| Top Speed | 100 MPH | 100 MPH (single motor) 127 MPH (dual motor) |
| Horsepower | 181-240 HP (estimated) | 231 HP (single motor) 408 HP (dual motor) |
| Estimated Range | 220 mi (estimated) | 294-336 mi |
History of Toyota bZ Series
Toyota’s new BEV line is called the bZ series, which stands for “beyond Zero” (battery electric vehicles). Toyota revealed its plans for the line in April of 2021, alongside the announcement of the bZ4X Concept. The bZ4X is a compact crossover SUV and Toyota’s first BEV in the bZ lineup. It’s the first step toward Toyota’s goal of having 15 BEV models on the road by 2025. Seven of those 15 are set to appear in the upcoming bZ series. All seven will be built on Toyota and Subaru’s exclusive e-TNGA platform.
The name “Beyond Zero” tells the story of Toyota’s future strategy: zero emissions as a standard, but with features and specifications that go far beyond that qualifier. The bZ4X first appeared in Japan and China before making its way to the United States in the summer of 2022. Unfortunately for Toyota and the bZ brand, 2,700 bZ4Xs were recalled shortly after their release due to reports of loose wheels while driving. Toyota, on the other hand, will not be deterred by something like this, especially since 14 more BEVs are expected to be released by the rapidly approaching 2025 deadline.
The bZ3 will be the first sedan in the bZ line. While it has yet to be released anywhere in the world, the bZ3 is expected to follow in the footsteps of the bZ4X. First, the international market, then the American market. So far, only the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed anything. The design appears identical to the concept shown in April 2021, with two powertrain options and an overall top speed of 100 MPH. Specifics on the bZ3 battery are scarce, but it will most likely resemble the one found in the bZ4X. Read Also; Logitech G920 vs G29 Driving Force Review
Polestar’s History
In contrast to the bZ series, Polestar’s EV line is already well underway. The company already has two electric performance vehicles under its belt: the Polestar 1 and the Polestar 2. Polestar 3 and 4 are currently in pre-production, with launch dates set for October 2022 and 2023, respectively. The 5 and 6 are currently in the concept stage and are scheduled to arrive in 2024 and 2026, respectively. The Polestar 1 was released in 2018, but it was phased out in 2022. In comparison, the Polestar 2 is still in production (and has been since 2020).
Polestar 1’s demise is not due to a lack of sales. The plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, was never meant to last. It was always intended to be produced in small quantities. The Polestar 2 is expected to remain in mass production for the foreseeable future. It also goes full BEV, as opposed to the Polestar 1’s plug-in hybrid status. This means that the Polestar 2 is Polestar’s first true mass-market BEV, complete with multiple trims and pricing options to compete with BEVs like Tesla and others.
According to the manufacturer, the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 sold nearly 29,000 vehicles in 2021. Polestar anticipates a tenfold increase in sales to 290,000 by 2025 when the 3, 4, and 5 join the two on the sales floor. Polestar should have little trouble achieving this optimistic yet reasonable goal. Given that Polestar had sold over 21,000 BEVs by the end of the first half of 2022, it’s not too far-fetched to think the company will reach its target by 2025. Read: 2022 Audi A8 Interior and Cargo Review
5 Must-Know Facts About the bZ3 and the Polestar 2
- By 2025, Toyota hopes to have 15 zero-emission BEVs on the road. Polestar also hopes to reach 290,000 annual sales this year.
- Whereas Toyota intends to release 15 BEVs over the next few years, Polestar has set a much lower target of six.
- As of this writing, the Toyota bZ series and Polestar have only one car on the market: the bZ4X and Polestar 2.
- The Polestar 2 outperforms the bZ3 estimates, but the bZ3 will be much cheaper when released than the Polestar 2.
- Toyota’s BEV lineup will rely heavily on a shared e-TNGA architecture with Subaru.
Toyota bZ3 vs Polestar 2: Key Differences
Although the bZ3 has not yet been officially released, we can compare and contrast some key differences between it and the already-released Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 has been on the market since 2020, so we know a lot about it — it’s the bZ3 that we’ll have to make educated guesses about. Nonetheless, thanks to the bZ4X’s sister vehicle and the leaked information about the bZ3, we should have enough to make meaningful comparisons.
Performance
The Polestar 2 is the Polestar brand’s first truly electric vehicle and their first BEV in mass production. It comes in three models: Standard Range Single Motor, Long Range Single Motor, and Long Range Dual Motor. The first two, in particular, have front permanent-magnet synchronous motors under the hood, whereas the Long Range Dual Motor has dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors. This equates to 231 HP and 330 Nm of torque for single-motor trims and 408 HP and 660 Nm of torque for dual-motor trims.
On the other hand, the bZ3’s performance specs are a little less clear. They are, however, not unknown due to the e-TNGA architecture shared by Toyota and Subaru. As a result, we can confidently predict that the bZ3 will be powered by either a 181 HP or a 240 HP electric motor. The former falls short of all three Polestar 2 trims, while the latter barely outperforms the single motor trims and falls short of the dual motor’s 408 HP. The bZ4X has torque ranging from 266Nm to 337 Nm, implying that the bZ3 will likely fall short of the Polestar 2’s torque. Read More; Chevrolet Blazer EV to Rival Tesla’s Model Y
Range
The Polestar 2’s estimated range per charge, like its performance, tells three different stories to match its three trims. The Standard Range Single Motor has a range of approximately 294 miles per charge. The Long Range Single Motor increases that number to 336 miles per charge. The Long Range Dual Motor sits in the middle of the three, with an estimated 299 miles per charge range. The efficiency of both single-motor trims is 275-295 Watt-hours per mile, while the dual-motor trim is 315-330 Wh/mi.
While we already know Toyota and Subaru’s e-TNGA architecture will power the bZ3, there is no word on its estimated range. However, reports from the international market indicate that the bZ3 will aim for at least 220 miles per charge. Although significantly lower than the Polestar 2 and even the bZ4X, this estimate is fairly typical of a BEV sedan. In comparison, the standard Tesla Model 3 has an estimated range of 272 miles per charge.
Price
It can be difficult to set a price on a car in today’s hectic and competitive market. In any case, there is no set suggested retail price for the Polestar 2. That price was $45,900 in 2022. Whether or not dealers choose to stick to that price is entirely up to them, but Polestar provided this $45,900 figure. To be clear, this is for the entry-level model. If you want a longer range or dual motors, you could pay as much as $49,900 or more.
On the other hand, the Toyota bZ3’s price is much less defined than that of the Polestar 2. That isn’t to say we don’t have a general idea. According to reports from other countries, the bZ3’s base model price will be as low as $29,000. This can all change depending on availability, resources, and the market at large, but for now — in this pre-release stage — the estimated base model price remains under $30,000.
Toyota bZ3 vs Polestar 2: Pros and Cons
Toyota bz3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is expected to be less expensive than the Polestar 2. | There is no specific release date as of yet. |
| Its top speed will be the same as that of both single-motor Polestars. | Performance pales in comparison to Polestar 2 |
| Part of a long line of impressive zero-emissions BEVs from Toyota | Range pales in comparison to Polestar 2 |
| Its 220-mi. The estimated range is comparable to that of other electric sedans. | Much of the bZ3’s most vital specs remain shrouded in mystery |
Polestar 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful design both inside and out | Its $50,000 price tag is unattainable for many drivers |
| All three trims have the impressive horsepower. | Its three trim levels may cause some buyer confusion. |
| Readily available for purchase, unlike the bZ3 | Performance pales in comparison to other luxuries BEVs |
| Many of Volvo’s best features are still present. |
Toyota bZ3 vs Polestar 2: Which Is Best?
The Toyota bZ3 and the Polestar 2 are both fantastic electric vehicles. We know what distinguishes them and what binds them together. Similarly, we can examine the specifications of both vehicles to determine their advantages and disadvantages. So, which is the best BEV? The Polestar 2 or the Toyota bZ3? Polestar 2 is ultimately the winner. Although there are many things to like about the bZ3, the Polestar 2 has far too many advantages to overlook.
From horsepower to top speeds, estimated range to luxury accommodations, the Polestar 2 outperforms the bZ3. Furthermore, it is now available for purchase. There’s no need to wait, which is what you’ll have to do if you want to buy a bZ3. Despite the bZ3’s lower price, longer range, and higher horsepower, the Polestar 2 outperforms it in terms of look, feel, and function. It may be worthwhile to revisit this debate after the release of bZ3, but for the time being, Polestar 2 is the clear winner.
Toyota bZ3 vs Polestar 2: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When will the Toyota bZ3 be released?
While no official release date for the bZ3 in the United States has been set, insiders expect the car to hit the streets in 2023.
When will the Polestar 3 be available?
The Polestar 3 could be available to buy as early as October 2022.
Is Toyota going fully EV?
Toyota has not stated whether they intend to go entirely electric, but they have stated that 15 BEVs will be available by 2025.
Is the Polestar 2 a good automobile?
The Polestar 2 is an excellent vehicle with exceptional horsepower, a dependable range per charge, and a luxurious interior and exterior.
How fast is the Polestar 2?
The Polestar 2’s dual motor trim has a top speed of 127 miles per hour and its two single-motor trims have a top speed of 100 miles per hour.
