Polestar is targeting to create a climate-neutral car by 2030 under its Polestar 0 project, eliminating emissions rather than offsetting them.

The Polestar 0 project will drive the ‘design towards zero’ focus by eliminating emissions rather than offsetting by planting trees

In its first annual review, the electric carmaker said that while the Polestar 2 electric hatch is zero emission at the tailpipe, it has a carbon footprint when it leave the factory, and it’s looking to present a car by 2030 that changes this.

Head of sustainability Fredrika Klarén said: “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.”

Polestar also pointed to warnings from environmental experts that offsetting is not sustainable in the long run and said questions remain around the long-term carbon-storage capacity of forests.

“Offsetting is a cop-out,” added 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 design towards zero.”

Polestar will also start using sustainability declarations, already seen in industries such as food and fashion, for future models. Starting with Polestar 2, these will initially disclose carbon footprint and traced risk materials, via the company website and in its ‘Polestar Spaces’ dealerships, and will be updated additional details and information in time.

Ingenlath said: “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.”