The latest Over-the-Air (OTA) update will allow owners of the Polestar 2 to use their connected smartphone as a supplement to the traditional key fob.
The OTA update also includes the activation of new integrated vehicle functionality within the Polestar app.
Security has been the highest priority while developing the Polestar Digital Key. A total of 18 Bluetooth sensors in and around the EV communicate with the paired device to support accuracy, securing authentication and ease of use when accessing and starting the car.
The sensors around the vehicle detect the approach of the paired device. From within an arm’s length, the sensors pinpoint the position of the device, allowing the doors, tailgate or charging lock button to be opened or activated with enhanced accuracy and security.
Powering up the car requires the paired device to be positioned within the vehicle to safeguard against unintentional starting.
The digital key itself is encrypted within the Polestar app on the paired device, and following extensive testing is deemed far safer than a traditional key fob.
This device is also immune to so-called relay attacks as it does not operate on radio frequency, and the encrypted Bluetooth signal is entirely reliant on the paired device being within physical range of the sensors.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO explained that this new feature will make life easier for owners.
“The Polestar Digital Key is one of our most anticipated features, because the convenience of not having to carry a physical key is invaluable,” he said. “Being able to use your phone as the key makes sense especially in an age where our phones take care of most of our daily needs already, and it’s the one device you always carry with you.”
The latest OTA update for the Polestar 2 also includes new battery pre-heating measures to improve range, a revision to the way distance to empty is shown, with a more linear algorithm, and an adaptation to the wireless phone charger for newer phones with additional magnetic elements – amongst other bug fixes and stability improvements.
As we reported, Polestar has announced that the Polestar 2 model range is expanding to three variants. The existing 300 kW (408 hp) dual motor setup, with a large 78 kWh battery pack, is joined by two front-mounted single motor variants – available either with the same long-range battery and a 170-kW motor, or a smaller, standard-range battery (64 kWh) and a 165-kW motor.