While most carmakers are rolling out EVs across segments and offsetting production-linked carbon emissions with CSR initiatives, Polestar is gearing up to develop the Polestar 0 Project. The new Polestar EV, slated to be ready by 2030, will be 100% climate-neutral, producing zero emissions throughout its supply chain, production, and logistics stages.
Polestar calls for collaboration for the Project 0
Polestar believes, and climate activists have warned that offsetting carbon emissions is not sustainable in the long run. With raging wildfires in forests and a change of climate pattern, offsetting carbon emissions is not the solution for carbon-neutral mobility. Hence, Polestar’s farsightedness seems commendable as the Swedish brand plans to experiment with technologies with open calls for collaboration for the Polestar 0 Project.
Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath quoted about traditional manufacturing processes in a press release in April 2021 that “we will have to question everything.” He added that the brand is pushing itself to create a completely climate-neutral car. Moreover, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, said that “we will now work to eradicate all emissions stemming from production.” The innovation for the Polestar 0 Project could be a breakthrough in the global sustainable mobility movement.
Identifying carbon emitters
Hans Pehrson, head of research and development at Polestar, will spearhead the Polestar 0 Project. The project has been split into three stages. Stage one addresses research and targets CO2 emitting contributors with no technological solution. Experts will dig deep into the production process, down to the smallest nuts and bolts, to identify sources of CO2, right from material extraction to vehicle delivery.
Remember, cars have thousands of components. Hence, there will be extensive data collection and analysis of which areas need to be addressed for net carbon neutrality. Certain areas might find solutions easily, while others might be more challenging. Polestar 0 Project partners will research areas that need alternative sustainable solutions, for which Polestar will partner with suppliers, investors, researchers, and consumers, among others. “This is not a solo mission,” says Hans Pehrson.
Polestar Project 0 Partners
Companies across the global automotive supply chain have teamed up with the Swedish brand for the Polestar 0 Project. They resonate with the brand’s vision. On February 23, 2022, Polestar stated that Letters of Intent have been signed with select strategic partners for various components: metals, safety, electronics, and driver assistance systems. The partners will help with the Life Cycle Assessment of its current EVs’ carbon emissions.
The brand is starting by collaborating with Nordic steel and SSAB to explore the potential of fossil-free steel, which can one day replace traditional steel usage in a car’s components. Norwegian renewable energy company Hydro is the partner for zero-carbon aluminum, while ZF will explore how CO2 can be eliminated from electric powertrain systems. Safety expert Autoliv has agreed to delve into zero-emissions safety equipment for Polestar, entailing the development of green seatbelts and airbags.
EVs also comprise extensive wiring harnesses and electrical control systems, which aren’t manufactured sustainably. Lighting manufacturer ZKW has taken charge of this area. Moreover, Polestar is also inviting relevant entities for potential collaboration. The brand is reaching out to researchers worldwide with United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) for more innovation in the field. UNSDSN supports green development following the Paris Agreement.
The brand discloses carbon footprint labels through its Polestar Space dealerships. Image: Polestar
Open call for collaboration
Those who wish to collaborate on the Polestar 0 Project can connect with Polestar by filling out an application on polestar0.teamtailor.com. What’s more, Polestar has introduced a Product Sustainability Declaration. Starting with the Polestar 2, the brand began disclosing carbon footprint labels through its Polestar Space dealerships and its website to make consumers more aware. Ingenlath believes customers must have “the right tools to make informed and ethical decisions.”
Polestar’s next new launch is the Polestar 3, which will be launched later this year. The Polestar 4 follows next year, and the Polestar 5 in 2024.
Featured Image Source: Polestar
Keyword: Polestar 0 Project: Everything we know in February 2022