There are sure occasions in life when stress is unavoidable – and for a lot of, it peaks in the course of the foolish season.
But specialists have shared a “simple” means to assist ease pressures brought on by the seemingly unending calls for of life, stating a highway journey can do wonders for enhancing psychological well being.
And as I discovered throughout a current four-wheel journey in Tasmania, it’s even higher when the automotive you’re doing it in is eco-friendly.
The Polestar 2, an electrical car (EV) that rivals luxurious manufacturers reminiscent of Tesla and BMW, lastly arrived in Australia in direction of the tip of 2021 and since then it has been attracting a string of spectacular opinions.
For somebody reminiscent of myself desirous to get away on a soothing highway journey, it was the perfect selection, because it proved tremendous straightforward to drive – even on the windy roads of Bruny Island.
Polestar Australia managing director Samantha Johnson stated there are actually virtually 1000 of the “stylish and understated” EVs on our roads – regardless of the very fact costs begin at just below $70,000.
“We’ve had a great first year in market. It’s fair to say that demand for Polestar 2 has certainly exceeded our expectations – there are almost 1000 vehicles on the road now and thousands more in the pipeline,” she informed news.com.au.
“Our growth is certainly a reflection of the shifting attitudes towards electric vehicles in Australia, particularly given cost of living pressures.
“More broadly, we also see our sustainability narrative resonating with customers, along with the minimalist design and tech offering.”
As somebody who drives a guide 2008 Suzki Swift on a day-to-day foundation, the tech was virtually a bit of overwhelming at first, however I rapidly adjusted.
The automotive’s giant display within the centre of the cabin gave blind-spot warning, lively cruise management choices and reverse digicam, all of which I’ve wanted consoling to recuperate from shedding after returning house to my humble Swift.
But for many who personal their Polestar 2, the automotive can do far more, Samantha suggested.
“It was the first vehicle globally to be equipped with the Android Automotive OS with Google built in,” she stated.
“The system, which has been developed in collaboration with Google, features Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play store for downloading apps straight to the infotainment system.
“Try turning on your house lights from the driveway using Google Assistant next time you drive one.”
One factor I used to be nervous about doing was charging this child up as I’ve by no means pushed an EV earlier than. Ahead of my weekend jaunt to Bruny, I additionally regarded up charging factors, and was a bit of nervous concerning the reality there have been solely two on the island.
A fast browse on-line additionally revealed an absence of charging factors for EV autos basically is usually cited because the “biggest issue” with shifting from gasoline to electrical.
“There are lots of misconceptions about the barriers to electric vehicle ownership, so it really comes down to education,” Samantha stated.
“Range is often cited as a big issue, but Australians drive an average of around 35km per day, which is well within reach of electric vehicles that offer around 400km or 500km of range per charge.
“A lack of charging infrastructure is a close second, but there is significant investment ongoing from both governments and private enterprise to address the number of chargers in market.”
Samantha stated most Australians would have “the ability to charge overnight from their driveway” and homeowners can use the general public charging community to “supplement charge on longer journeys”.
But for these dwelling in house complexes for instance, native governments have been “working to combat challenges with on-street charging”.
“There is actually a huge amount of demand for electric vehicles, but the difficulty is supply,” she added.
“The Federal Government recently released a discussion paper to help shape the National Electric Vehicle Strategy. This will hopefully see the introduction of a fuel efficiency standard, and a national-based approach to help support a transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric and low-emission vehicles.”
A current research discovered electrical autos emit, on common, 29-41 per cent much less emissions than a typical fossil-fuelled automotive for each kilometre pushed in Australia.
But as Samantha identified, whereas making and/or proudly owning an electrical car is a begin, it’s definitely not the tip.
“As a company, Polestar isn’t afraid to call others in the industry out for their lack of action,” she stated.
“Eliminating emissions isn’t just in producing an EV, but also reviewing, auditing and refining the manufacturing process.
“We are committed to tracking and reporting on the impact of our supply chain by monitoring our CO2 emissions and ethical sourcing of risk minerals and materials.
“As part of this commitment to transparency and accountability, Polestar also releases an annual Life Cycle Assessment Report on the Polestar 2, and shares the methodology with the industry in a bid to have them do the same.”
With all this concentrate on doing proper by the planet, you’d be forgiven for considering this EV doesn’t have a lot “oomph” behind the pedals – however you’d be mistaken.
This has automotive has some critical welly while you push down on that accelerator and its battery can final between 440km and 540km of vary dependant on what mannequin you purchase (there are three).
When you add in that medical specialists have suggested highway journeys – and journey – are good for our psychological and bodily wellbeing, a cheeky journey behind the wheel (ideally a Polestar 2) is a no brainer.
After all, it helps to scale back stress, enhances positivity, promotes happiness – and is healthier for the environment.
* The author drove a Polestar 2 courtesy of Polestar Australia
Originally printed as Polestar 2 evaluate: Why highway journeys ease stress, enhance psychological well being
