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Polestar 0 is “truly climate-neutral” electric car for 2030

Polestar has set an ambitious goal to introduce a completely climate-neutral car in 2030. The company is currently two years into an extensive research and development program focused on reducing the environmental impact of its supply and construction processes.

The initiative, known as Polestar 0, is indicative of its intended environmental significance. Hans Pehrson, who formerly led Polestar’s R&D department and is now in charge of bringing this initiative to fruition, emphasized the objective of creating a “commercialized car” rather than just a concept.

Pehrson stated, “What kind of car will come later – convertible, SUV, city car, whatever…” and explained that the 10-year program, which commenced 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 aluminum, steel or something else? Will it be four-wheel drive? Will the battery be under the floor?”

Pehrson mentioned that his division will need to be well-prepared with thorough research by 2025 in order for the company to achieve its goals.

The research program will consider the impact of all materials, components, and processes used in car construction. Pehrson also noted, “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.”

Polestar has already included more than 30 companies in the 0 project and showcased the work of some of these at its Polestar Day event in Los Angeles.

These include seats made using ‘fossil-free steel’ from a company called SSAB, plastics from Dama BioPlastics that are made using plant waste, and a material called PaperShell that turns paper back into wood.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars Announces the End of Diesel Production by 2024

Volvo Cars is taking a significant step towards its goal of becoming a climate-neutral company. By 2030, the company plans to sell only fully electric cars, and by 2040, it aims to achieve complete climate neutrality. At Climate Week NYC, Volvo Cars declared that it will stop producing diesel-powered car models by early 2024. This move makes Volvo Cars one of the first traditional car manufacturers to take such a decisive action in favor of electric vehicles.

This milestone follows Volvo Cars’ decision in 2022 to stop developing new combustion engines. The company sold its stake in Aurobay, a joint venture that held its remaining combustion engine assets. Volvo Cars is now fully committed to electric powertrains and has ceased investing in the development of new internal combustion engines.

Volvo Cars’ Chief Executive, Jim Rowan, expresses the advantages of electric vehicles over combustion engines. Electric powertrains generate less noise, less vibration, and create zero tailpipe emissions. In addition, they require less servicing costs for customers. The company is focused on creating a diverse range of premium, fully electric cars that meet the expectations of Volvo customers while contributing to the fight against climate change.

In response to the urgent need for action highlighted by the United Nations’ Global Climate Stocktake report, Jim Rowan emphasizes the importance of strong leadership from industry and political leaders in combating climate change. Volvo Cars is committed to doing its part and calls on peers and political leaders worldwide to join in the effort.

As a demonstration of its commitment, Volvo Cars’ Chief Sustainability Officer, Anders Kärrberg, will participate in an event organized by the Accelerating to Zero (A2Z) Coalition during this year’s Climate Week NYC. The A2Z Coalition, launched at the COP27 climate summit, brings together signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Vehicles. The coalition aims to ensure that all new car and van sales are free of tailpipe emissions by 2040, and no later than 2035 in leading markets. Volvo Cars’ electrification target is even more ambitious, and the company hopes to inspire other companies to take bolder actions against climate change by phasing out diesel cars and engaging in discussions at Climate Week NYC.

Volvo Cars’ decision to end diesel production by 2024 reflects the rapidly changing landscape in the automotive industry and evolving customer demand in response to the climate crisis. Just a few years ago, diesel engines were the mainstay in Europe, but now electrified models, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars, dominate the market. This shift is driven by changing market demand, stricter emission regulations, and Volvo Cars’ focus on electrification. Additionally, reducing the number of diesel cars on the road has a positive impact on urban air quality, as diesel engines emit more harmful gases like nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to petrol engines, affecting air quality particularly in congested areas.