Tools
Software & Apps
The car's own menus show very little. These tools let you check battery health, read fault codes, keep an eye on charging, or go all the way to dealer-level diagnostics.
At a Glance
| Tool | Best for | Runs on | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanterill | Battery State of Health, fault scans, and live data without paying for VIDA | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free for private use |
| OrBit | Enthusiasts who want to change configuration or enable software-locked features | Windows | From ~$100/year per VIN; PIN retrieval (needed for configuration changes) costs extra |
| VIDA | Dealer-level diagnostics, following a Technical Journal, manual software updates | Windows | Short-term subscription — roughly $75–95 for 3 days |
| Hisingen | Checking charge and range from your Mac, charging history and mileage logs | macOS 15 Sequoia or later (Apple Silicon and Intel) | Free (MIT open source) |
Free local diagnostics
Hanterill
Nicolas Kheirallah (independent)
A free desktop diagnostic app for Volvo and Polestar cars. It talks to the car's control units directly over an Ethernet (ENET) cable — no subscription, no internet connection needed during a session. The Polestar 2 (CMA platform) is its most complete and best-tested vehicle.
- Runs on
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Connects via
- Passive OBD-II to RJ45 ENET cable + Ethernet port (or USB adapter)
- Cost
- Free for private use
What it does
- •HV battery State of Health, charge, pack voltage, cell-group readings and temperatures
- •Fault scans that separate active codes from stored history
- •Live plots and recordings of battery, drive-unit and 12V measurements
- •Compare saved firmware inventories, module lists, battery readings and fault scans over time
Know before you use it
- •Still in beta. Service actions (clearing codes, running routines) sit behind separate confirmations — stick to read-only scans unless you know what a routine does
- •Standard ELM327 / Bluetooth OBD dongles won't work — you need an ENET cable
- •Source-available (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), not open source
Configuration changes and feature unlocks
OrBit
SPAyceTech (UP Industries, LLC)
Third-party Windows software for Volvo SPA/CMA cars, including the Polestar 2. It does diagnostics and flashing like VIDA, and can also change the car's configuration — for example enabling Pilot Assist or Pixel LED headlight functions on cars that have the hardware.
- Runs on
- Windows
- Connects via
- OBD-to-Ethernet (ENET / VOE-style) cable + internet
- Cost
- From ~$100/year per VIN; PIN retrieval (needed for configuration changes) costs extra
What it does
- •Diagnostics: read/clear fault codes, module status, calibrations
- •Change vehicle configuration not exposed on the center display
- •Enable software-locked features when the hardware is present (e.g. Pilot Assist, Pixel LED headlights)
- •Flash ECU software, program key fobs, reset service intervals
Know before you use it
- •Not affiliated with Volvo or Polestar — configuration changes may affect warranty
- •OTA updates can revert configuration changes
- •Feature unlocks only work if the physical hardware is already in the car
- •Pricing has changed over time — check the vendor for current plans
The dealer diagnostic system
VIDA
Volvo Cars / Polestar (official)
Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales — the same tool Polestar service centers use. Owners in North America can buy short-term access through Polestar Tech Hub. It covers full diagnostics, Technical Journals, wiring diagrams, and software updates.
- Runs on
- Windows
- Connects via
- VOE OBD-to-Ethernet adapter (or compatible ENET cable) + internet
- Cost
- Short-term subscription — roughly $75–95 for 3 days
What it does
- •Read and clear fault codes across every module, with repair procedures
- •Technical Journals (Polestar's TSBs), service manuals and wiring diagrams
- •Flash ECU software, including updates not yet pushed over the air
- •Service resets and calibrations
Know before you use it
- •Owner access through Polestar Tech Hub is for North American (US and Canada) cars only
- •The subscription timer starts at activation and runs continuously — plan the session first
- •Some functions (e.g. key programming) need dealer permissions
Your Polestar in the macOS menu bar
Hisingen
Nicolas Kheirallah (independent)
A native macOS menu bar app that shows your car's charge, range and charging status at a glance, with remote controls where the car supports them. It uses your Polestar account over the internet — no cable — and talks directly to Polestar's services with no third-party server in between.
- Runs on
- macOS 15 Sequoia or later (Apple Silicon and Intel)
- Connects via
- Internet, signed in with your Polestar ID
- Cost
- Free (MIT open source)
What it does
- •Battery level, range, charging power, charge target and current limit
- •Local charging history with energy and cost estimates (CSV/JSON export)
- •Trip detection with business/private tagging and monthly mileage reports
- •Door, window, lock and tire-pressure status; service warnings
- •Climate preconditioning and other remote controls (experimental on Polestar)
- •Notifications, Shortcuts actions, Spotlight results and multiple vehicles
Know before you use it
- •Polestar has no public API — the app uses the same interfaces as Polestar's own app, which can change without notice
- •Remote controls on Polestar cars are experimental; don't rely on them for anything time-critical
- •Battery health and cost figures are estimates, not measurements
Just want to check battery health cheaply? A Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and the Car Scanner app also work — see our diagnostic tools guide for setup details.
Polestar 2 Hub isn't affiliated with any of these tools or their makers. Third-party tools are not endorsed by Polestar or Volvo; changing your car's configuration is at your own risk. Prices change — check each vendor for current pricing.