Polestar Rounds Up Suppliers in Carbon Neutral Bid
Polestar is bringing together its key suppliers in a bid to achieve the climate neutral car it is aiming to build.
The premium BEV sub-brand of Volvo has announced suppliers, including SSAB, Hydro, ZF, ZKW and Autoliv, are joining forces with intent to help the transport sector play its part in reducing climate impact. It has signed Letters of Intent to collaborate with a selection of strategic partners in metals, safety, driving systems and electronics focused on reducing vehicles’ 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.
Nordic steel and metals producer SSAB intends to collaborate with Polestar on fossil-free steel, which could potentially replace not only conventional steel in a car but also other materials with significant carbon footprints. Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro intends to collaborate with Polestar on zero-carbon aluminum, while automotive systems supplier ZF intends to explore how their innovation in electric powertrain and overall systems competence could eliminate carbon emissions and save resources.
Meanwhile, safety supplier Autoliv intends to partner with Polestar on safety equipment such as airbags and seatbelts with zero emissions and automotive lighting manufacturer ZKW also intends to team up on climate-neutral electrical control systems and wiring.
The brand has also announced an invitation to other suppliers, researchers, universities, entrepreneurs, investors, governmental and non-governmental organizations, for possible collaboration.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “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.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
