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.