Electric Cars

Polestar has fully unveiled its groundbreaking Formula 2030 concept, an innovative low-slung, four-door electric sports car that serves as a crucial preview for the design language of the forthcoming Polestar 2, anticipated in 2027, and the compact Polestar 7 SUV. This concept, remarkably shorter than the Polestar 5 grand tourer, signals a significant shift in the Swedish brand's interior philosophy by bringing back tactile physical buttons.

First hinted at in September through private presentations to investors, the Formula 2030 concept is now fully showcased with comprehensive imagery and detailed specifications. This vehicle marks the inaugural show car developed under the leadership of Philipp Römers, who joined Polestar from Audi in 2024, signifying a new chapter in the brand's design evolution.

Described by Polestar as a 'compact, practical four-door sports car' that establishes its own unique category, the Formula 2030 measures 4,680 mm (184.3 inches) in length and 2,021 mm (79.6 inches) in width, with a wheelbase spanning 2,780 mm (109.4 inches). For perspective, these dimensions indicate it is approximately three inches longer and five inches lower than the current Polestar 2, and slightly more compact than a Tesla Model 3, sitting 3.5 inches closer to the ground. Polestar suggests this concept car's size positions it 'somewhere between' the upcoming Polestar 2 and Polestar 7 models.

The vehicle showcases classic sports car proportions, including a long hood, minimal overhangs, a cabin that is set back over pronounced rear fenders, and prominent 22-inch center-lock wheels. Behind these striking wheels, gold Brembo calipers are visible, alongside Öhlins dampers proudly displayed in the trunk. The front fascia retains Polestar's signature 'Dual Blade' headlights, now integrated into an aerodynamic wing above a shark-nosed front and a deep splitter. This design element is confirmed by the automaker as the future face of the next-generation Polestar 2, scheduled for 2027.

Unique design features continue with a single vertical windshield wiper, reminiscent of racing vehicles, and a LiDAR unit discreetly hidden beneath an aerodynamic shroud, revealing itself only during autonomous driving. The rear of the Formula 2030 sees the most dramatic transformation, abandoning the common full-width light bar found in many contemporary EVs. Instead, it introduces what Polestar terms 'Single Blade' rear lights, slated for series production implementation.

Philipp Römers, Polestar's head of design, characterized the concept as a 'bold evolution' of the brand's current design language, emphasizing that it embodies Polestar's core principles of design, performance, and sustainability, which will be integrated into future production vehicles. The rear doors operate on a rear-hinged mechanism, and the absence of a B-pillar allows for an expansive side opening, revealing four distinct individual seats.

The interior focuses on the driver, featuring a curved 20-inch 'HyperDIM' display mounted directly on the steering column and a 12.2-inch central screen within the center console. A notable return to driver-centric design is evident with a panel of eight physical controls for frequently used functions, offering customization options such as rocker switches or rotary knobs, each programmable to the owner's preference. This marks a significant departure for Polestar, a brand previously known for routing most controls through a central touchscreen. Juan Pablo Bernal, Polestar's head of interior design, explicitly stated the brand's commitment to 'rebalancing the digital and physical' by reintroducing physical buttons and controls, underscoring a renewed focus on the driver experience as a performance brand.

The cabin's dynamics adapt to different driving modes: Performance, Normal, and Autonomous. In Performance mode, the central screen retracts flush into the console, and the steering wheel, along with its display, moves closer to the driver. Conversely, in Autonomous mode, the steering wheel and seat adjust away from each other. The four seats incorporate inflatable bolsters that conform to each occupant, and the seatbacks are crafted from a flax-based composite, moving away from virgin plastics. The integration of Google Gemini, akin to Polestar's production models, further enhances the in-car experience.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the vehicle is its cargo area. The rear opens via a clamshell design, revealing a transparent trunk floor beneath which custom Polestar bags are secured with gold straps. The front trunk (frunk) is designed to accommodate two race helmets and a fire extinguisher, framed by a striking gold strut brace. While Polestar has not disclosed any powertrain specifications, such as battery capacity, range, power output, or pricing, the Formula 2030 remains a design study. However, the company has confirmed that various design elements from this concept will be incorporated into the next Polestar 2 in 2027 and the Polestar 7 in 2028. These two models are part of the four new vehicles Polestar plans to launch within three years, with the Polestar 7 destined for European production.

In a notable turnaround for its customer experience, Lucid (LCID) has announced a substantial 20% reduction in global service wait times during the third quarter. This improvement directly follows a robust strategy involving a more than 40% surge in its technician and service-support personnel within a single quarter. The luxury electric vehicle manufacturer is also expanding its physical footprint by introducing new Studio and Service Centers in prominent areas such as Southern California, Los Angeles, Dallas, and the Chicago suburbs, alongside a significant addition of 20 Gravity Mobile Service vans. These efforts clearly signal a proactive response to address prior service challenges reported by Lucid vehicle owners.

Lucid's recent service enhancements come after a period of significant workforce adjustments. The company had previously undergone two rounds of layoffs in February and June, resulting in approximately 1,500 employees departing. This contraction had led to increased service wait times, with some owners reporting delays of up to seven weeks for repairs at facilities like the Beverly Hills Service Center. Recognizing the critical importance of a seamless ownership experience, Lucid's Chief Customer Officer, Billy Hayes, emphasized the company's commitment to augmenting service staff and expanding mobile service capabilities to ensure more convenient and responsive support for its clientele.

The expansion plan includes the opening of a new combined Studio and Service Center in Mission Viejo, California, which is already operational. Downtown Los Angeles and Dallas are slated to receive similar Studio and Service Center operations later this year, with Highland Park, Illinois, following in Q1 2027. Furthermore, North America will see the deployment of 20 additional Gravity Mobile Service vehicles, enhancing remote service accessibility. Beyond domestic efforts, Lucid is extending its service network internationally through strategic partnerships. Collaborations include Munsterhuis Autobedrijven in the Netherlands, Cloppenburg Automobil SE in Germany, Autohaus Possögel in Naumburg, Germany, and Emil Frey France to support its launch in France. In Saudi Arabia, Lucid has established its first company-owned Body & Paint Repair Center in Riyadh, with plans for more service sites in Riyadh and Dammam by mid-2027. Additionally, a growing number of Certified Collision shops are now authorized to perform recall campaign work, alleviating pressure on Lucid's own Service Centers.

While Lucid has announced a 20% drop in wait times, the absence of a clear baseline average wait time makes it difficult for owners to fully gauge the extent of the improvement. Despite this, the company's substantial investment in service personnel and infrastructure is a vital step forward. The ownership experience is paramount for a brand in a competitive market, particularly for vehicles priced at $80,000 or more. Delays in service can significantly deter potential buyers and negatively impact brand trust and future referrals. This strategic focus on improving service quality is crucial for Lucid, especially as it navigates financial challenges, having utilized over a billion dollars in free cash flow in the third quarter. The move ensures that existing customers feel supported, building loyalty that will be essential for the success of future, more affordable EV models set to launch in the coming years.