Polestar to develop climate-neutral vehicle by 2030, searching for development team

Polestar is looking to build a team with the ultimate aim of developing the world's first climate-neutral vehicle, set to be launched in 2030.

Yet to be achieved by any manufacturer, Polestar's goal is not to offset carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, but to eliminate them completely – creating a vehicle which has had no environmental impact at any stage of its production.

Searching around the globe for suppliers, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses and investors to pitch ideas for Polestar 0 Project, the Swedish electric vehicle brand has put the call out to Australians interested in becoming a part of automotive history.

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Hans Pehrson, leader of the Polestar 0 Project

Samantha Johnson, managing director of Polestar Australia, said Australian individuals and businesses have a chance to contribute to the monumental environmental project.

“At Polestar, we are not just about changing the cars we drive, we are about changing the way vehicles are made," said Johnson.

"Vehicles are not produced sustainably today, but by addressing the challenge of climate change through the supply chain we can be part of the solution.

“We know that Australia is home to some of the best innovative minds and businesses, manufacturing high-quality products that are competitive on the world stage. We are seeking their input into the global Polestar 0 Project as we accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility.”

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Polestar's 1 PHEV (black) and Polestar 2 EV (white)

The manufacturer has reached out to the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) to engage with local suppliers and businesses, with AMGC's managing director, Dr Jens Goennemann, backing the local focus for innovation.

“Polestar’s call to industry to tackle emissions across the entire manufacturing value chain is to be commended," said Dr Goennemann.

“Australian manufacturers have a long history of developing, commercialising, and exporting high-quality and complex items. This initiative gives Australian manufacturers a unique opportunity to get in at the ground floor into a global market and to be part of a bold collaborative program.”

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The Polestar Precept concept which will become the Polestar 5

A number of international suppliers have already backed the project, with SSAB bringing its fossil-free steel production methods across from Volvo to assist with Polestar 0 Project.

Hans Pehrson is Polestar's former head of research and development, taking the lead for the newest project, which he believes will have a major impact on the automotive industry.

“We believe in the exponential development of climate solution technologies," said Pehrson.

"For this project, we must tap into solutions that are still in the innovation stage. Even more exciting is that the solutions we develop will not only benefit the automotive industry overall, but help decarbonise manufacturing and society more widely as well.

"Wherever we look in the world we see materials like steel, aluminium, electronics and rubber. Imagine when we can make these materials climate-neutral to produce. Together, we can make the seemingly impossible, possible.”

The process is open for applications between February 23 and March 23, 2022.