POLESTAR - Some of the world’s leading automotive industry suppliers, including SSAB steel, Hydro renewable energy, ZF electric powertrains, ZKW control systems and Autoliv safety equipment, are joining forces with intent to collaborate on the Polestar 0 Project, which aims to develop a truly climate-neutral car. Uniting major companies across the automotive supply chain will enable Polestar to reach this vision while also helping the overall transport sector play its part in reducing climate impact.
Polestar
has now signed Letters of Intent to collaborate with a selection of strategic
partners in the realms of metals, safety, driving systems and electronics. Each
of the suppliers target a specific part of the automotive supply chain with
carbon emissions addressed in Polestar’s Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of
vehicle carbon footprints. The LCAs have helped pinpoint the components and
processes involved in producing cars that need to be reimagined to reduce and
ultimately eliminate carbon emissions.
“It was
clear from the start that this is not a solo mission and we are very excited to
present such a strong line-up of interested partners, all leaders within their
fields. We are leveraging innovation and collaboration to address the climate
crisis,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.
Nordic
steel and metals producer SSAB intends to collaborate with Polestar on
fossil-free steel, which could potentially replace conventional steel as well
as other materials with significant carbon footprints.
Norwegian
aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro intends to collaborate with
Polestar’s experts on zero-carbon aluminum. Systems supplier ZF intends to
explore how their innovation in electric powertrain and overall systems could
eliminate carbon emissions and save resources.
Automotive
safety supplier Autoliv will partner with Polestar on production of safety
equipment such as airbags and seatbelts with zero emissions. Lighting
manufacturer ZKW will work with Polestar on climate-neutral electrical control
systems and wiring.
Polestar has extended an invitation to other suppliers, researchers,
universities, entrepreneurs, investors, governmental- and non-governmental
organizations, for possible collaboration. As part of this search for new
partners, Polestar will be reaching out to researchers from across the globe
through SDSN, the world's largest academic network
working in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris
Agreement.
Hans Pehrson, leader of the Polestar 0 Project, says: “We believe in the exponential development of climate solution technologies. 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 decarbonize manufacturing and society more widely as well. Wherever we look in the world we see materials like steel, aluminum, electronics and rubber. Imagine when we can make these materials climate-neutral to produce. Together, we can make the seemingly impossible happen.”