Polestar’s cars are far from simple showroom-ready creations. Before you see them on the road, designers, engineers, and specialists work tirelessly to bring the vision to life. This process begins long before manufacturing, and each step requires expertise and countless hours.
A key part of this journey is the “TT0” car, an early prototype used exclusively for testing and refining the vehicle before it reaches production. You won’t find a TT0 car in the real world, as its purpose is for engineers and test drivers to gather crucial data for future versions.
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Marine Roy, Test Objects Leader in the Propulsion Department, oversees the entire TT0 process. “We’re the first ones to get the cars so others can start testing on them,” Roy explains.
These cars, built in a Chinese factory, arrive in Sweden incomplete or outdated due to their long journey. Roy’s job begins with handling logistics—getting the cars through customs and then onto various test sites around the world, from hot weather locations to freezing conditions.
Roy’s role isn’t just technical; she coordinates everything from hotels and flights for the team to organizing meals and rental cars during testing. “I wish there were three of me,” she jokes, as she manages all aspects of the TT0’s life cycle.
TT0 cars are like rough drafts—they need a lot of refining. Every part is meticulously tested for safety, starting with mechanical checks and low-speed drives to ensure the car’s balance and functionality.
“We start by checking if the car is mechanically safe, like making sure the seatbelts work and the weights are balanced,” Roy says. Then, testing moves to higher speeds and more intense brake checks. Roy is often in the passenger seat during these tests, taking notes while the car is pushed to its limits.
Problems are inevitable, but that’s the point of testing. When issues arise, Roy’s team relies on troubleshooters—the “rockstars” of TT0—who can fix anything. “If they want a hot chocolate, you get them a hot chocolate,” she quips.
Working on prototypes has even changed how Roy views cars in everyday life. “I’m always examining how a car feels, even as a passenger,” she admits. The car you’ll eventually drive will be the result of extensive testing, much of it involving Roy and her team, ensuring that every detail is perfected long before it hits the market.
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