X

Polestar and ChargePoint announce a partnership and in-car charging app

The app will let drivers navigate to a charger, monitor their charging and provide payment all from inside the vehicle.

Polestar 2

Soon, Polestar 2 owners will have their own, in-car ChargePoint app.

Tim Stevens/Roadshow

and EV charging network ChargePoint are teaming up to simplify the charging experience in the new Polestar 2. The companies are doing by creating an in-car app that, according to an announcement Tuesday, will allow drivers to navigate to an open charging station, monitor their charging and provide payment -- all from the Polestar 2's infotainment system.

Other benefits to the ChargePoint/Polestar partnership include expanded access to all of ChargePoint's 130,000 chargers, as well as many thousands more in outside networks, thanks to ChargePoint's roaming agreements. This should simplify the process of staying charged on long trips, no matter where a driver ends up going.

"Not only does our partnership with Polestar provide drivers easy access to thousands of Level 2 and DC fast places to charge across North America, the in-vehicle integration of the ChargePoint app brings our comprehensive charging ecosystem seamlessly into the in-vehicle experience," said Bill Loewenthal, senior vice president of product for ChargePoint, in a statement. "This partnership with Polestar is one of the first such integrations, and will serve as a blueprint for further collaborations between the two companies."

Polestar 2 buyers will also be able to purchase ChargePoint's Home Flex Level 2 in-home charger when they order their vehicle. This is usually a $699 cost that needs to be dealt with outside of the vehicle purchase process, but now buyers will be able to roll it all into one payment. Buyers are also able to arrange home installation of their charger through the Polestar purchase process.

This partnership looks to be one of the closest we've seen yet between an EV manufacturer and a charging network, apart from Tesla, which owns its own Supercharger network. Still, we suspect that it's likely to become the norm, rather than the exception, as EVs continue to gain market share in the US.

2021 Polestar 2 EV stays fresh in the rain

See all photos
Watch this: All-electric Polestar 2 brings Swedish class to the EV market
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Kyle Hyatt
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).

Article updated on March 9, 2021 at 12:02 AM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Kyle Hyatt
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Kyle Hyatt Former news and features editor
Kyle Hyatt (he/him/his) hails originally from the Pacific Northwest, but has long called Los Angeles home. He's had a lifelong obsession with cars and motorcycles (both old and new).
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.