Polestar unveils plans for ‘truly climate neutral’ car by 2030
In Polestar’s first annual review, the Swedish electric performance car brand announces its moonshot goal to create the first truly climate neutral car by 2030.
In Polestar’s first annual review, the Swedish electric performance car brand announces its moonshot goal to create the first truly climate neutral car by 2030.
The Polestar 0 project will aim to cut carbon emissions by changing the way that cars are made, rather than using traditional processes and then planting trees to offset CO2e. The approach will encompass collaboration across the entire development process and value chain, from suppliers to retailers.
Environmental experts have warned that offsetting is not sustainable in the long run. Questions around the long-term carbon-storage capacity of forests and soils remain as a forest might be logged, devastated by fire or altered by climate change.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “Offsetting is a cop-out. By pushing ourselves to create a completely climate-neutral car, we are forced to reach beyond what is possible today. We will have to question everything, innovate and look to exponential technologies as we design towards zero.”
Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, says: “We’re electric, so we don’t have to worry about combustion engines producing toxic emissions – but that doesn’t mean our job is done. We will now work to eradicate all emissions stemming from production. Now is a historic and exciting time for car makers, an opportunity to seize the moment, do better and dare to build the dream of climate-neutral, circular and beautiful cars.”
Climate action is already being incorporated throughout the Polestar business, and climate targets are integrated in the Polestar employee bonus system.
The Polestar 0 project will be characterised by innovative and circular design, including circular batteries, recycled materials and renewable energy across the supply chain.
Polestar have said a crucial first step on its journey will be full transparency, without which all other efforts are invalid. Accordingly, from now a product sustainability declaration will be published for all Polestar models, starting with disclosing the carbon footprint, and also traced materials, on the company website and in Polestar spaces. The same will be done for all future models.
Thomas Ingenlath added: “Consumers are a huge driving force in the shift to a sustainable economy. They need to be given the right tools to make informed and ethical decisions. This makes things very clear. Today, Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint. In 2030 we want to present a car that does not.”
Find out more here.
Want to connect with a growing network of over 1,500 transport, energy and policy professionals mapping the next phase of the transport transition? Join Climate Action at the Transport Transition Summit on the 11 & 12 May by registering here.
