Polestar chief test driver shares experience on electric performance cars

Joakim Rydholm plays an integral role in the setup of all Polestar cars - past, present and future. With an impressive history that combines rich automotive R&D experience as well as an illustrious rallying career, Joakim has recently been applying his expert knowledge in chassis and performance tuning to the Polestar 1.

"The ingredients for creating the best driving dynamics in a car are the same, whether it has an electric drivetrain or an internal combustion engine," says Joakim Rydholm, Chief Test Driver at Polestar.

"An immediate damper response from the suspension, direct and predictable feedback from steering inputs and consistent, powerful brakes are the key attributes that all the world's best driver's cars have in common."

Joakim's latest achievement is driving the Polestar 1 prototype up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

"It was so much fun to drive it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, an event I have always wanted to drive at. It was a very special experience. I have spent every recent waking hour in the Polestar 1 so to take it to England and drive it amongst some of the most famous names in motorsport was a truly life-affirming experience," continues Joakim Rydholm.

"The electric performance is so immediate, plus the torque vectoring technology gives such engaging handling. When you then factor in the Ohlins suspension, Akebono brakes and lightweight carbon fibre body, the Polestar 1 delivers truly outstanding performance. We have also been able to tune the chassis so accurately that it produces a superb everyday ride quality, while also being ready for a spirited drive at any time."

Joakim started at Volvo Cars in 2008 where the famous Volvo C30 Polestar Concept was his first project.

His connection to Polestar was strengthened in 2013 when he was responsible for chassis development of the now-outgoing S60 and V60 Polestar models - the cars that cemented Polestar as Volvo Cars' performance arm.

His role evolved in 2016 to include all Polestar developed chassis components for Volvo models, and the start of development of the Polestar 1.

Today, Joakim's responsibility extends to all future Polestar models, and the recently announced Polestar Engineered derivatives in the Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 ranges.