# Luxury Hybrid Vehicles Tesla is Being Challenged Thanks to the Polestar 1 Coupe By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-06 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-1-coupe References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/6/17083658/polestar-volvo-electric-coupe-geneva-motor-show-2018) & [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/volvos-polestar-and-volkswagen-unveil-new-rivals-for-tesla/) In 2017, [Volvo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-es90) refocused its race-tuning sub-brand Polestar on electric performance and at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the fledgling brand revealed the Polestar 1 Coupe. The hybrid two-door coupe was built specifically to challenge [Tesla](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucid-air-grand-touring-performance) and does so in its impressive design and admirable performance. Two electric motors in the back of the Polestar 1 Coupe offer up 218 horsepower and an estimated range of 93 miles on a single charge. For improved performance, a [two-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesamg-one) backs up the electric ones to give the vehicle a full 600 horsepower. The exterior of the Polestar 1 Coupe carries a modern, but aggressive look. The windows are completely frameless and the side mirrors feature bezel-less designs. The interior sports white leather and subtlety muted orange embellishments, accompanied by a host of shiny chrome widgets and controls. The Polestar 1 also utilizes a “phone-as-key” system, which allows users the ability to get into the car with their smartphones. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Electric Performance Vehicles:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation lies in developing electric vehicles that combine performance and luxury, challenging traditional automakers. - **Frameless Windows and Bezel-less Mirrors:** Disruptive innovation could occur by creating vehicles with modern and sleek designs, eliminating the need for traditional window frames and bezels on side mirrors. - **Phone-as-key Technology:** Innovative opportunities can be found in developing advanced mobile technology that allows users to access and start their vehicles using their smartphones. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Automakers have the opportunity to disrupt the industry by designing and producing hybrid and electric vehicles that challenge traditional luxury brands. - **Automotive Design:** The automotive design industry can create disruptive innovation by pushing the boundaries of vehicle aesthetics, such as adopting frameless windows and bezel-less mirror designs. - **Mobile Technology:** The mobile technology industry has disruptive innovation potential in developing advanced phone-as-key systems for vehicle access and control. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sophisticated Race-Inspired EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-polestar-5.md) - [Race-Ready Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bst-edition-270.md) - [Scandinavian Electric GTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-5-grand-tourer.md) - [Safety-Centric Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safetycentric-electric-suv.md) - [Performance Electric Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-o2.md) - [Entry-Level Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-2-long-range.md) - [Everyday Luxury Electric Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volvo-es90.md) - [Ultra-Fast Production Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-4-1.md) - [Redesigned Electric Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-polestar-2.md)