Polestar and Oxford SDG Impact Lab launch study to scientifically measure driving thrill
The SDG Impact Lab at the University of Oxford and Polestar announce the launch of a pilot research study focused on exploring if the thrill of driving can be scientifically defined and measured.
6 Ph.D. fellows
What Happened
The pilot study brings together six Ph.D. fellows from Oxford's Engineering Science and Experimental Psychology departments to examine physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses while participants drive a high-performance Polestar. By analyzing brain activity alongside biometric and behavioral data, the research aims to determine whether driving excitement can be observed, analyzed, and quantified.
Pilot study begins
Vehicle testing at Gotland Ring test track
Results presented at a dedicated event at the University of Oxford
“This project demonstrates how academic research can create real-world impact beyond the university. Working with Polestar allows us to translate scientific insight into knowledge that can help shape future innovation.”
Why this matters
This research aims to redefine electric car performance beyond traditional benchmarks by using physiological and brain data to quantify driving excitement, which could help engineers fine-tune vehicle dynamics.
Terms in This Story
- SDG
- Sustainable Development Goals, a set of United Nations goals for global development.
- EV
- Electric vehicle, a vehicle powered by electricity.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.