Polestar h1 was developed as a submission for the Polestar x Hot Wheels 2024 competition.

In today’s car design era, SUVs dominate, with many manufacturers discontinuing iconic models to prioritize these increasingly similar, resource-heavy vehicles. While SUVs provide comfort and security, this trend has stifled innovation in smaller, agile, sport cars. The charismatic "hot hatches", once practical and spirited, are now fading.

The Polestar h1—a compact hot hatch that combines Polestar’s sleek design language with the boldness and absurd elements of Hot Wheels.

Every detail and design decision such as deciding on a small, practical RWD engineered car, reflects the spirit of past classic hot hatches. It captures the desire, need, and challenge of creating something fun within a practical, constraint-driven package, while aligning with Polestar’s modern innovation and offering a new direction for electric car design, distinct from the current trends.

Small but mighty.

early interactions to final version

As the smallest car in the Polestar lineup, the h1 embraces simplicity and sportiness, presenting an aggressive, purposeful silhouette that reignites driving excitement while combining power, style, and charisma.

The dark alloy wheels draw inspiration from the Polestar logo and a compass rose, symbolizing elegance and individuality with the message, “follow your own direction.”

The LED signature lights take the form of the Polestar logo, blending with a human inspired "smirk" that adds a playful, confident, and challenging character to the h1, signaling that this small car is unafraid to take on larger vehicles. This design fosters a deeper human connection, emphasizing both performance and personality.

The exaggerated lateral air vents, reminiscent of Hot Wheels classics, not only aid in cooling the batteries and brakes but also enhance aerodynamics, giving the car its bold, high-performance look.

Fearless in the face of challenge.