‘Climate-neutral car’ for 2030 launch, pledges Polestar
POLESTAR SHOWED THE O2 concept shortly after confirming it will work with five new partner companies on a quest to launch a “truly climate-neutral car” in 2030.
The programme is called Polestar 0 – a reflection of its intended environmental impact. Hans Pehrson, previously Polestar R&D boss and now charged with bringing it to fruition, stressed to Autocar that the aim is to create a “commercialised car” rather than a concept. “What kind of car will come later – convertible, SUV, city car, whatever…” he said, explaining that the 10-year programme (which began in 2020) is divided into three distinct stages.
“We have a detailed timeline to get there. We should have a production start in 2030. Three years before that point, we need to start detailed product development in the automotive business: 36 months is quite common.
“Before that starts, we need to look into architecture. Will we build it on aluminium, steel or something else? Will it be four-wheel drive? Will the battery be under the floor?”
Pehrson said his division will “have to be ready with really deep research” in 2025 in order for the company to meet its targets.
The research programme will take into account the impact of all materials, components and processes used in car construction, but Pehrson said: “If we make a breakthrough this year or next year, we can implement them in a model-year change or in a new car launching in 2024, 2025 or 2026.”
Swedish metals firm SSAB will collaborate with Polestar on developing fossil-free steel; Norwegian outfit Hydro will help to develop zero-carbon aluminium; and automotive supply giant ZF will look at reducing the climate impact of vehicle electronics and systems. Meanwhile, safety firm Autoliv will work on equipment such as seatbelts and airbags, and ZKW will evaluate climate-neutral wiring solutions.