For more than six years, we've worked alongside Polestar to redefine digital experiences in automotive. Even before the first Polestar EV hit the road, we were building and refining a connected car app that puts complete vehicle control in the owner's hands. The result? A 4.4-star App Store rating, double its previous score.
End-to-end app development: strategy, design, development and QA
Digital car key for keyless access, locking and vehicle start
Remote controls: preconditioning, battery status and vehicle location
Integrated live chat and digital owner's manual
Scalable across global markets
UX-driven optimisation based on user data
The challenge
How do you create an innovative digital experience for car owners that challenges traditional automotive conventions while helping an ambitious start-up grow into a globally respected EV brand?
The solution
Together with Polestar, we developed and continuously refined a companion app that puts complete vehicle control in the owner's hands. From digital key functionality to battery insights, everything is wrapped in a clean, forward-thinking design.
Polestar x iO: six years of digital innovation in automotive
With its unique blend of design, technology and sustainability, Polestar challenges the traditional automotive industry and sets a new standard for electric mobility.
Today, its electric vehicles are driven around the world. For more than six years, we've been Polestar's dedicated digital partner for the development of its connected car app.
Our experts are embedded within Polestar's teams and contribute strategically to the brand's digital future. Together, we enable continuous innovation and ensure the app remains at the forefront of digital automotive experiences.
Why do Polestar owners expect more than the average car owner?
People don't choose a Polestar simply because it's an electric car. They choose a brand known for innovation. Beyond driving pleasure and sustainability, they expect a digital experience that's every bit as progressive as the vehicle itself.
Traditional automotive apps often feel outdated, with slow interfaces, limited functionality and features that aren't designed around user needs. Polestar wanted to break away from that and create an app that reflects the same innovation and quality as the car.
The challenge wasn't just deciding what the app should do, but how the experience could reinforce the premium feel of the brand.
What features should an EV connected car app include?
A successful connected car app is built around three pillars: control, convenience and connection. For Polestar, we developed features that transform everyday car ownership:
Digital car key: replacing the physical key with a smartphone, allowing owners to unlock and start their vehicle without additional hardware.Remote controls: preconditioning the cabin on cold mornings, checking battery status before a long trip or locating the vehicle in a busy car park.Vehicle management: access to a digital owner's manual and integrated live chat for support when it's needed.
These features are more than just nice-to-haves. For EV owners who depend on battery charge and range, real-time insights are essential to a seamless driving experience.
How does a digital car key improve the ownership experience?
A digital key is more than a gimmick. It solves a real everyday problem: no need to carry a physical key, no stress if you misplace it, and the ability to easily share access with others through the app.
For Polestar owners, that means:
Keyless access and vehicle start via smartphoneEasy key sharing with family and friendsExtra peace of mind because your phone is always with you
The real challenge was reliability. A digital key has to work every time, regardless of network conditions or phone battery levels. Together with Polestar, we built a robust solution designed to perform consistently in all circumstances.
What does end-to-end app development mean for automotive brands?
Building a connected car app requires more than technical expertise. For Polestar, we delivered the project from end to end:
Strategy: defining priorities based on user needs and brand visionDesign: creating a pioneering design language that feels intuitive and reflects Polestar's progressive characterDevelopment: native iOS and Android development focused on performance and reliabilityQuality assurance: extensive testing to ensure flawless performance, including edge casesContinuous optimisation: ongoing improvements based on user feedback and behavioural data
This approach ensured that the app wasn't only technically robust but also genuinely useful for Polestar owners.
How do you improve App Store ratings for an automotive app?
Like Polestar, we left nothing to chance. Strong App Store ratings are the result of a consistent focus on user feedback and data-driven optimisation. By listening closely to users and translating insights into concrete improvements, we create apps that people genuinely value.
For the Polestar app, this meant a strategic refocus. We analysed user behaviour and feedback to understand which features delivered real value and which introduced unnecessary complexity. By streamlining the experience and prioritising what mattered most, we significantly improved user satisfaction.
The result: a 4.4-star App Store rating, double previous scores. A clear indicator of user value and a powerful driver of customer loyalty.
How do you scale a connected car app across international markets?
Polestar grew from a Swedish start-up into a globally recognised brand. The app needed to evolve alongside that growth.
That required:
Scalable architecture: a technical foundation capable of supporting new markets and features without requiring a complete rebuildLocalisation: support for multiple languages and regional preferencesContinuous innovation: a steady pipeline of new features to stay ahead in digital automotive experiences
Because our experts are embedded within Polestar's teams, communication remains direct and decision-making fast. The result is a product that stays globally consistent while remaining locally relevant.
The numbers
1.4★
App Store rating after strategic optimisation
1%
Improvement compared to previous ratings
+1
Years of partnership between iO and Polestar
A digital experience that grows with the brand's ambitions
The Polestar app makes everyday vehicle ownership simpler and smarter. Through our close collaboration, it has evolved into a digital companion that fits naturally into how people use and interact with their car.
For Polestar owners, that means greater convenience and control wherever they are. For Polestar, it creates a more direct relationship with customers and delivers a digital experience that matches the premium quality of the vehicles.
