News
Polestar 2 gets a fresh design with sustainability and ethical sourcing in focus
Polestar announced today that its award-winning electric vehicle, the Polestar 2, is receiving sustainability and design updates to minimize climate impact and increase material sourcing transparency as ethical sourcing remains a primary focus of the Swedish automaker.
The Polestar 2 is receiving design updates to its interior, as well as new colors and wheel options for drivers to choose from when ordering the all-electric vehicle. Additionally, numerous improvements to vehicle range ratings will be applied to future builds of the Polestar 2 thanks to the expansion of blockchain traceability for ethical mining practices and a reduced carbon footprint due to the use of renewable energy.
“We have revisited the materials and processes that go into making Polestar 2, introducing updates that reduce climate impact and increase the material traceability of this award-winning car,” Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said. “These are important additions to how we can improve cars over their lifetime – not just with functionality and design updates but addressing sustainability and carbon footprint as well.”
The most crucial improvement to the Polestar 2 is to its batteries, thanks to a partnership with traceability leader Circulor, which now includes blockchain accountability for mica in addition to cobalt, “both of which are critical battery components of an electric car,” the automaker said. The use of blockchain technology allows Polestar to trace where its battery materials and risk materials are sourced from, ensuring they are obtained through ethical mining and manufacturing processes. One of the key arguments against the transition of electric vehicles has been how automakers and battery suppliers obtain the metals and materials necessary for the production of the cells.
Polestar 2 receives top marks in crash safety tests, living up to its Volvo roots
Companies have fought for years to alleviate the idea that EV batteries are not sustainable and that they are obtained in unethical ways. Tesla, for example, detailed in its most recent sustainability report that it uses a series of due diligence processes and randomized checks at its mines across the world to ensure the materials are mined and obtained with ethical practices.
The use of these blockchain accountability programs also translates to better emissions ratings in the Polestar 2, the company says, as the aluminum tray carrying the battery pack will reduce carbon emissions of 1,653 pounds (750 kilograms) per car. This was made possible by purchasing only the aluminum for the tray from suppliers that utilize renewable energy. A low-carbon aluminum is also being used in the Polestar 2’s wheels to increase sustainability metrics.
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- Polestar 2’s new low-carbon aluminum wheels
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- Polestar 2’s new low-carbon aluminum wheels
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- Polestar 2’s new low-carbon aluminum wheels
“In our program updates, we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts,” Polestar Head of Sustainability Fredrika Klarén said. “Product optimization programs are common in the car industry, but we are taking an extended approach at Polestar, combining these with CO2e reduction programs as well. A first pilot has been rolled out, replacing the aluminum in the wheels with low-carbon aluminum that is produced using renewable energy. We expect this to result in a 1,322lb (600 kg) CO2e reduction per car for Polestar 2 in the second half of the year. Together with the improvements to aluminum in the battery tray, we’re expecting to see a total reduction of around 2,976lbs (1,350kg) per car.”
Other improvements, like the use of cruelty-free interior materials, are being added. Polestar parent company Volvo announced that it would use “vegan” leather in all of its EVs, starting with the C40 Recharge. The Polestar 2 will also have two new exterior colors, Space (Metallic Black) and Jupiter (Gold-Grey with Red Flake).
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- Polestar 2 in “Space”
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- Polestar 2 in “Space”
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- Polestar 2 in “Jupiter”
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- Polestar 2 in “Jupiter”
Here are each of the changes that will be applied to the Polestar 2:
- New exterior colors: Space (metallic black) and Jupiter (gold-grey with red flake)
- New designs for the standard 19-inch and optional 20-inch wheels
- New Zinc grey color for ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, available with a new Light Ash deco trim
- Removable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof (also available as an accessory for all Polestar 2 with glass roof)
- The mechanical heat pump (included in Plus Pack) has an improved optimal temperature range, now between 20°F and 77°F (-7°C and 25°C), increasing real-world vehicle range in adverse conditions.
- Introduction of an advanced cabin filter and upgraded interior particulate matter sensor with new in-car app that quantifies exterior air quality improvement in the cabin
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
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- Polestar 2’s new cruelty-free interiors will be included on the updated version of the vehicle
Pricing, updated range ratings, and availability for the North American market will be announced in the coming weeks, Polestar said.
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News
Tesla dominates JD Power EV Satisfaction ranking, grabbing top two spots
The Model 3 was the highest ranking EV considered, with a score of 804, followed by the Model Y at 797, the BMW i4 at 795, and the BMW iX at 794.
Tesla dominated JD Power’s EV Owner Satisfaction ranking for 2026, grabbing the top two spots in the survey with the Model 3 and Model Y.
The two Tesla models grabbed the first and second spots, respectively, with scores of 804 and 797 out of 1,000 possible points.
Brent Gruber, Executive Director of JD Power’s EV practice, said:
“EV market share has declined sharply following the discontinuation of the federal tax credit program in September 2025, but that dip belies steadily growing customer satisfaction among owners of new EVs. Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever. What’s more, the vast majority of current EV owners say they will consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, regardless of whether they benefited from the now-expired federal tax credit.”
JD Power’s study showed three key findings: Public charging satisfaction was higher than ever, premium BEVs saw more pronounced quality improvements, and BEVs held their satisfaction ratings compared to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Tesla Grabs Top 2 Spots
Despite what some publications might try to make you believe, Tesla is still the cream of the crop when it comes to EV ownership, and real-world owners surveyed by JD Power will prove that to you.
The Model 3 was the highest ranking EV considered, with a score of 804, followed by the Model Y at 797, the BMW i4 at 795, and the BMW iX at 794. The segment average for “Premium Battery Electric Vehicles” was 786. The Cadillac OPTIQ (762), Rivian R1S (758), Lucid Air (740), Rivian R1T (739), and Audi Q6 e-Tron (690) all finished below that threshold.
Meanwhile, a separate category for “Mass Market Battery Electric Vehicles” had the Ford Mustang Mach-E as the EV with the highest rating at 760. The segment average for this class was 727.
🚨 Tesla topped J.D. Power’s new EV Owner Satisfaction Study for 2026, with the Model 3 (804) and Model Y (797) being the top-rated vehicles, beating out the BMW i4 (795) and iX (794)
Additionally, Tesla Superchargers helped public charging satisfaction rise to new highs:
“The… pic.twitter.com/4WIxoDxHig
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 19, 2026
Tesla Supercharging Improves Public Charging Satisfaction
JD Power said the availability of public charging is “by far the most improved index factor,” and that the consistent growth of publicly available charging has helped push many consumer sentiments in a positive direction.
Most of this is due to the Tesla Supercharger Network and its expansion. However, Tesla owners are also becoming more satisfied with the infrastructure after expanding access to other EV brands, the study said.
Elon Musk
Musk company boycott proposal at City Council meeting gets weird and ironic
The City of Davis in California held a weekly city council meeting on Tuesday, where it voted on a proposal to ban Musk-operated companies. It got weird and ironic.
A city council meeting in California that proposed banning the entry of new contracts with companies controlled by Elon Musk got weird and ironic on Tuesday night after councilmembers were forced to admit some of the entities would benefit the community.
The City of Davis in California held a weekly city council meeting on Tuesday, where it voted on a proposal called “Resolution Ending Engagement With Elon Musk-Controlled Companies and To Encourage CalPERS To Divest Stock In These Companies.”
The proposal claimed that Musk ” has used his influence and corporate platforms to promote political ideologies and activities that threaten democratic norms and institutions, including campaign finance activities that raise ethical and legal concerns.”
We reported on it on Tuesday before the meeting:
California city weighs banning Elon Musk companies like Tesla and SpaceX
However, the meeting is now published online, and it truly got strange.
While it was supported by various members of the community, you could truly tell who was completely misinformed about the influence of Musk’s companies, their current status from an economic and competitive standpoint, and how much some of Musk’s companies’ projects benefit the community.
City Council Member Admits Starlink is Helpful
One City Council member was forced to admit that Starlink, the satellite internet project established by Musk’s SpaceX, was beneficial to the community because the emergency response system utilized it for EMS, Fire, and Police communications in the event of a power outage.
After public comments were heard, councilmembers amended some of the language in the proposal to not include Starlink because of its benefits to public safety.
One community member even said, “There should be exceptions to the rule.”
🚨 After the City of Davis, California, held its City Council meeting on Tuesday and voted on a resolution called “Resolution Ending Engagement With Elon Musk-Controlled Companies and To Encourage CalPERS To Divest Stock In These Companies,” it was forced to admit that it needs… pic.twitter.com/hQiCIX3yll
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 19, 2026
Community Members Report Out of Touch Mainstream Media Narratives
Many community members very obviously read big bold headlines about how horribly Tesla is performing in terms of electric vehicles. Many pointed to “labor intimidation” tactics being used at the company’s Fremont Factory, racial discrimination lawsuits, and Musk’s political involvement as clear-cut reasons why Davis should not consider his companies for future contracts.
However, it was interesting to hear some of them speak, very obviously out of touch with reality.
Musk has encouraged unions to propose organizing at the Fremont Factory, stating that many employees would not be on board because they are already treated very well. In 2022, he invited Union leaders to come to Fremont “at their convenience.”
The UAW never took the opportunity.
Some have argued that Tesla prevented pro-union clothing at Fremont, which it did for safety reasons. An appeals court sided with Tesla, stating that the company had a right to enforce work uniforms to ensure employee safety.
Another community member said that Tesla was losing market share in the U.S. due to growing competition from legacy automakers.
“Plus, these existing auto companies have learned a lot from what Tesla has done,” she said. Interestingly, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have all pulled back from their EV ambitions significantly. All three took billions in financial hits.
One Resident Crosses a Line
One resident’s time at the podium included this:
Another member of the community did this…a member of the City Council admonished him and it came to a verbal spat https://t.co/zWvKCiCkie pic.twitter.com/1L334qq9av
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 19, 2026
He was admonished by City Council member Bapu Vaitla, who said his actions were offensive. The two sparred verbally for a few seconds before their argument ended.
City Council Vote Result
Ultimately, the City of Davis chose to pass the motion, but they also amended it to exclude Starlink because of its emergency system benefits.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s xAI Secures $3B Investment From Saudi AI Firm HUMAIN
The transaction converts HUMAIN’s xAI stake into SpaceX shares, positioning the Saudi-backed firm as a significant minority shareholder in the newly combined entity.
Saudi artificial intelligence firm HUMAIN has confirmed a $3 billion Series E investment in xAI just weeks before the startup’s merger with SpaceX.
The transaction converts HUMAIN’s xAI stake into SpaceX shares, positioning the Saudi-backed firm as a significant minority shareholder in the newly combined entity.
The investment gives HUMAIN exposure to what has been described as one of the largest technology mergers on record, combining xAI’s artificial intelligence capabilities with SpaceX’s scale, infrastructure, and engineering base, as noted in a press release.
“This investment reflects HUMAIN’s conviction in transformational AI and our ability to deploy meaningful capital behind exceptional opportunities where long-term vision, technical excellence, and execution converge, xAI’s trajectory, further strengthened by its acquisition by SpaceX, one of the largest technology mergers on record, represents the kind of high-impact platform we seek to support with significant capital” HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin stated.
The investment also positions HUMAIN for potential long-term equity upside should SpaceX proceed with a public offering.
The investment expands on an existing partnership announced in November 2025 at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum. Under that agreement, HUMAIN and xAI committed to jointly develop more than 500 megawatts of next-generation AI data center and compute infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration also includes deployment of xAI’s Grok models within the kingdom, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to build domestic AI capacity and attract global technology players.
HUMAIN, backed by the Public Investment Fund, is positioning itself as a full-stack AI player spanning advanced data centers, cloud infrastructure, AI models, and applied solutions. The Series E investment deepens its role from development partner to major shareholder in the Musk-led AI and space platform.
Tesla dominates JD Power EV Satisfaction ranking, grabbing top two spots
Musk company boycott proposal at City Council meeting gets weird and ironic
