Polestar has announced in its annual review and sustainability report that it plans to make the first truly carbon-neutral vehicle by 2030. Instead of offsetting emissions, which is deemed not viable in the long run because forests are still prone to logging, fires, and climate change, the Swedish brand plans to eliminate emissions.
“Offsetting is a cop-out,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “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 designtowards zero.”
Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s head of sustainability noted that the brand will aim to cut all emissions associated with vehicle production. Since its vehicles are all-electric now that the Polestar 1 has ended production, Polestar doesn’t have to worry about the cars producing emissions. Climate action has already been implemented as part of Polestar’s business strategy and already has corporate targets for sustainability.
Polestar will add sustainability declarations, which disclose a vehicle’s carbon footprint and traced risk materials. Consumers will find the labels on the brand’s website and the boutique-like shops where the vehicles are being sold. More details with regards to sustainability will be added later on.
Ingenlath sees the consumer as the driving force in shifting toward a sustainable economy and must be given the tools to make informed and ethical decisions. “Today, Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint,” Ingenlath added. “In 2030, we want to present a car that does not.”
