Polestar reports 24.7% emissions cut per vehicle since 2020

Polestar has published its fourth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting a 24.7% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per vehicle sold compared to its 2020 baseline. This figure reflects the company’s efforts across product development, manufacturing, logistics, and materials sourcing.

The most significant contributors to the emissions reduction were the increased use of low-carbon aluminum, manufacturing improvements for battery modules, the application of 100% renewable electricity in vehicle production, and a shift to biofuels on selected ocean shipping routes. These reductions are reported on a per-vehicle basis, not in absolute terms.

In the report, Polestar reiterated its goal of decoupling business growth from environmental impact. CEO Michael Lohscheller stated that the company intends to continue reducing emissions while expanding vehicle sales.

The Polestar 0 project, which was introduced in 2021 with the aim of producing a fully climate-neutral car by 2030, concluded its first phase in 2024. According to the company, joint initiatives with project partners have yielded results that could reduce the carbon footprint of a Polestar 2 by up to 10 tonnes CO₂e compared to when the project started. The largest contributions to this improvement came from decarbonization efforts in aluminum and steel production.

As the project moves into its next phase, Polestar is establishing a research initiative known as Mission 0 House in Gothenburg. The facility will host scientists and engineers focused on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in materials and industrial processes. Polestar noted that future commercial applications of these innovations may result from work at the Mission 0 House.

The company also emphasized its continued efforts in supply chain transparency and circularity. It joined the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and expanded audits in high-risk mining regions. Traceability mapping now includes materials such as manganese, and Polestar 4 includes 10% recycled content, the highest share reported in any of its models to date.

While acknowledging macroeconomic and political challenges, the report noted that Polestar intends to proceed with its sustainability initiatives as planned. Upcoming product introductions, such as Polestar 5 and Polestar 7, are expected to build on sustainability improvements seen in the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4.