The Polestar ED4 is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, produced from 2021 to 2024 for use in Polestar's all-electric performance vehicles. It features a single-speed reduction gearbox and liquid cooling, delivering outputs up to 170 kW (231 PS) and 330 Nm of torque for responsive, instant acceleration.
Fitted primarily to the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor, the ED4 was engineered for efficient urban mobility and spirited highway driving. Emissions compliance is inherent to its zero-tailpipe-emission design, meeting all global standards including Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC for evaporative and in-service conformity.
One documented engineering focus was optimizing the motor's thermal management for sustained performance in hot climates. This, addressed in Polestar Engineering Bulletin PS‑EB‑2022‑01, involved specific calibration updates to the coolant flow rate and inverter control logic to prevent power derating during extended high-load conditions.
Polestar
As a zero-emission powertrain, the ED4 meets all applicable global emissions standards (EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, as amended for EVs).
The Polestar ED4 is a 170 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor engineered for compact executive vehicles (2021-2024). It combines a single-speed reduction gearbox with sophisticated power electronics to deliver instant torque and smooth, quiet operation. Designed as a zero-emission powertrain, it inherently complies with the strictest global environmental regulations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric | |
| Configuration | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | |
| Aspiration | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 0–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Emissions standard | Zero Tailpipe Emissions | |
| Compression ratio | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (dedicated circuit) | |
| Turbocharger | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Timing system | N/A (Electric Motor) | |
| Oil type | Dedicated e-axle fluid (Polestar P/N 31378277) | |
| Dry weight | Approx. 90 kg (motor and gearbox assembly) |
The ED4 motor provides instant, silent torque ideal for city driving and effortless overtaking. Maintenance is minimal but requires periodic inspection of the high-voltage connectors and coolant levels in the dedicated e-axle circuit. The specific e-axle fluid (Polestar P/N 31378277) must be used and replaced only at the manufacturer's recommended intervals (typically 150,000 km or 10 years) to ensure gearbox longevity. Software updates via OTA are critical for maintaining optimal performance and thermal management.
Oil Specs: Requires Polestar-specific e-axle fluid (P/N 31378277) (Polestar Owner's Manual).
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions certified under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 for electric vehicles.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards for electric motors (Polestar Technical Specification PS-TS-02).
Volvo Cars Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VCTIS-99876
Polestar Technical Specifications: PS-TS-02
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Emissions for EVs)
SAE International: J1349 Electric Motor Power Certification Standards
The Polestar ED4 was used exclusively in the Polestar 2 with front-axle mounting. This motor is part of Polestar's modular electric drive system and, while sharing core technology with other Volvo/Polestar e-motors, has specific power ratings and control software for the Standard Range Single Motor variant, creating no direct interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The motor code ED4 is typically found on a label attached to the motor housing or within the vehicle's VIN decode. The VIN for the Polestar 2 Single Motor will correspond to this specific motor. Visually, it can be identified by its compact, integrated design with the single-speed gearbox and prominent high-voltage orange cabling. Service parts and software are specific to the Polestar 2 and are not interchangeable with other applications due to unique calibration (Polestar Engineering Bulletin PS-EB-2021-05).
The ED4's primary reliability focus is on the long-term integrity of its power electronics and associated thermal management system. While the motor itself is robust, Polestar Engineering Bulletin PS-EB-2023-04 notes potential for temporary power reduction under extreme ambient heat combined with sustained high-speed driving. Adherence to software updates is critical for mitigating this.
Analysis derived from Polestar technical bulletins (2021-2024) and EU Type Approval failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about POLESTAR ED4.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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POLESTAR Official Site
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EUR-Lex
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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