Polestar has released its fourth annual sustainability report revealing significant GHG reductions, updates on the Polestar 0 project, and progress on transparency and sustainable materials.
Since the Company started measuring in 2020, Polestar has reduced its carbon footprint per sold car by a quarter (24.7%).
The most significant contribution has been the increased use of low-carbon aluminium on all models, improvements in battery manufacturing, 100% renewable electricity in the manufacturing process, and more efficient logistics combined with increased use of biofuels on certain ocean routes.
On the Polestar 0 project – the scheme to create a climate neutral car – it said that “important low carbon solutions have been identified” and than “shows the potential” to produce a Polestar 2 with a 10 tonnes lower carbon footprint than when the project started.
Aluminium and steel manufacturing represent 45% of the total cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of a Polestar 2, the firm said. Moving into the next stage of the 0 poject, it said further research would be needed who would look into “elimination of GHG emissions in materials, products and processes”. As a key principle, the ambition is to consider commercialisation of future potential solutions.
The firm also said that circularity, inclusion and transparency remain “key areas”. Polestar has joined the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and it said that it would continue the expansion of onsite audits in high-risk regions.
Traceability of risk materials was expanded to include the mapping of manganese, among others, it said. In addition, it would continue efforts to increase both data availability and share of recycled content from car programs to model year upgrades, and said that Polestar 4 now contains 10% recycled material.
Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, said:
“Polestar has shown that it is possible to decouple growth from climate impact. In simple terms, we aim to continue to cut emissions as we accelerate sales.
“Even though much in the world seems to be going in the wrong direction, we are doubling down on our commitments. When the world zigs, Polestar zags.”
Image of Lohscheller courtesy of Polestar
