Before the arrival of the Polar Fox Alpha T5, the cheapest 800V high-voltage platform models you could buy were the Xiaopeng G6 and the same-day launched Jike 007, both priced at around 200,000 yuan (28300$). The Polar Fox Alpha T5 660MAX version, with a slightly lower price of about 10,000 yuan (1420$), brings the 800V high-voltage platform to within 200,000 yuan (28300$), allowing more consumers to have the opportunity to experience the better user experience brought by this iterative technological upgrade. From the perspective of the general consumer, Polar Fox’s approach is much more meaningful than those slogans that often claim the best under 5 million or unbeatable under 10 million.
Of course, in addition to the 800V high-voltage platform, the Alpha T5 of the Polestar still retains many of Polestar’s excellent traditions. For example, the steel-aluminum hybrid body, the monster-level 47119Nm/deg body torsional stiffness, Magna’s production quality management system, and very healthy and safe interior materials and craftsmanship. From any angle, it is difficult to find obvious flaws in the new car, belonging to a very down-to-earth hexagonal all-round pure electric SUV.
The Alpha T5 has a strong design style of the Alpha brand, with dynamic light language provided by front and rear LED lights. The car’s proportions and interior space performance are excellent, with a wheelbase ratio of close to 0.61. Most importantly, the Alpha T5’s body is made of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy materials, accounting for as much as 81%, far exceeding the industry average of 60%. The Alpha T5 also achieves three 100%: 100% aluminum alloy in key collision energy absorption positions; 100% hot-formed steel in collision force transmission paths; and 100% high-strength materials in key stress areas of the passenger compartment, ensuring minimal deformation of the vehicle’s interior space and easy escape for passengers in extreme accidents such as collisions, rollovers, and side impacts.
The interior design of the Arctic Fox Alpha T5 prioritizes space and health safety, with a clean and simple style. The traditional instrument panel in front of the driver has been replaced by a full-color HUD head-up display system; the 15.6-inch central control screen is equipped with a Qualcomm 8155 chip, providing excellent visual effects and touch response; other features include heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, electric air conditioning vents, wireless phone charging, and a 1.11㎡ panoramic sunroof. In terms of materials and craftsmanship, the Arctic Fox T5 uses ultrasonic welding instead of traditional adhesive processes to reduce chemical emissions. In addition, the vehicle controls the raw materials from the source and adds exclusive black technology adsorption and degradation materials to the interior surface, achieving VOC levels close to 0 aldehyde and 0 benzene, meeting the standard for infant and mother safety. Considering families with babies, the Arctic Fox T5 simulates areas that infants and young children may touch, using the same gum-grade fabric as koalas, making it very child-friendly.
In terms of power, the Alpha T5 of the Arctic Fox has two versions. The 520 series uses a 400V voltage platform, equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 185kW and a maximum torque of 360N·m, with an acceleration time of 7.5 seconds per 100 kilometers. The motor power of the 660 MAX model is increased to 200kW, but the torque and acceleration time per 100 kilometers remain unchanged, positioning it as a family-oriented model. The total energy of the battery pack for the 520 endurance model is 65kWh, supporting a maximum charging power of 160kW. The total energy of the battery pack for the 660 endurance model is 79.2kWh, using an 800V high-voltage platform, with a maximum charging power of 260kW and the ability to replenish 260km in as fast as 10 minutes. In order to provide better charging compatibility, the 800V high-voltage battery pack also includes a 500V boost fast charging function, making it more convenient to charge and replenish energy even on regular DC charging piles.
Finally, in terms of intelligent driving assistance, the new car adopts a perception scheme mainly based on 5mm wave radar, which can provide common L2.5 level intelligent driving functions. Editor’s summary: The biggest advantage of the Alpha T5 is that it has no weaknesses. It truly achieves versatility, comprehensiveness, and both practicality and aesthetics. In the same price range, it excels in size, space, configuration, and craftsmanship; in the same class, its entry price is very down-to-earth, with over 150,000 yuan (21230$) being able to buy a fully equipped, reliable quality, nearly 4.7-meter medium-sized pure electric SUV; the top 800V high-voltage platform is the finishing touch. Moreover, the Alpha T5 has very effectively captured the attention of the target customer group, mainly “families”, focusing on active and passive vehicle safety and cabin health safety, allowing consumers to buy and use cars with more peace of mind.