Polestar unveiled the Polestar Re:Move at the 2021 IAA, or Munich Motor Show. The Re:Move is an electric transporter meant for last-mile delivery, or the final step in delivering a package. It’s designed to replace delivery vans to improve traffic flow in traffic-clogged urban environments.
Research by McKinsey & Company shows that the number of EVs in commercial fleets is forecast to grow to 8 million units by 2030, from 5,000 in 2018. The growth in last mile delivery vehicles has accelerated due to the pandemic and businesses increasing their online/home delivery business at the expense of bricks and mortar locations.
The Polestar Re:Move came from Wallpaper magazine’s Re:Made series, which brings together the best designers, makers, architects and engineers to push the boundaries of design. The Polestar Re:Made was the result of a collaboration involving designer Konstantin Grcic, electric car maker Polestar, aluminum producer Hydro and electric motorbike pioneer CAKE.
“Everyone involved in this distinctive project shares the belief that purity can be a driver for sustainability. During the last year we have worked together, engineers and designers, to create a versatile solution that has never lost sight of its purpose,” said Grcic, in a statement. “Good design is inherently sustainable design.”
Mobility with function
Measuring 29.5 inches wide, Polestar Re:Move is narrow enough to fit in bicycle lanes, yet can carry as much as 397 pounds. The frame is built using flax-based composites, rather than plastic. Its low-carbon aluminum chassis has an electric tilt mechanism, allowing the vehicle to “lean in” to turns, allowing for a 23-foot turning radius.
It’s fitted with disc brakes, a rear swing arm, a horn and brake lights. Lighting is always on to improve vehicle visibility to pedestrians and drivers. Turn signals are optional.
The Polestar Re:Move is powered by a 2.2-kWh battery and has a top speed of 15.5 mph, about the same as many ebikes.
But the collaboration also resulted in a new compact electric bike, the Makka — Polestar edition by CAKE. Using CAKE’s newest bike platform, the Makka — Polestar edition by CAKE is specifically designed to be mounted to the Polestar 2’s rear tow bar. Once parked, the bike can be used to travel the final fews miles — not unlike the Polestar Re:Move.
“Makka — Polestar edition by CAKE is the next step in our brand collaboration and it gives us a chance to tackle broader mobility challenges,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, in a statement. “We are building momentum towards a more sustainable future.”
