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Sustainability

This Product Sustainability Declaration for Polestar 3 is a high-level presentation of the car’s sustainability credentials. It aims to provide transparent information for making informed, ethical choices and currently covers specific materials.

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Circularity

From design and materials, to sourcing and assembly, to use and reuse. Polestar 3 represents another step on the journey towards more circular electric cars.

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Zoom-in on natural fibre composites.

Material innovations

Natural fibre composites

These ground-breaking composites made from European-grown flax produce a material that is 40% lower in weight and uses 50% less virgin plastic than the conventional alternative. First used in the Polestar Precept, these composites are now being used in Polestar 3.   

Used in Polestar 3 inner door and storage compartment. 

Yellow sphere of bio-attributed MicroTech on light background.

Material innovations

Bio-attributed MicroTech

This innovative vegan alternative to leather contains 25% bionaphtha, 14% recycled polyester textile, 33% plasticiser, and 28% chlorine. The CO₂ emissions of the bio-attributed PVC (which makes up 53% of the finished product) are 70% lower than conventional PVC. 

Used in Polestar 3 upholstery.

Yellow recycled mesh texture on light background.

Recycled materials

Recycled textiles

Polestar 3’s carpets are made from 100% ECONYL® polyamide, derived from discarded fishing nets and other plastic waste. The interior headlining is manufactured using 100% recycled PET.

Close-up of repurposed aluminium.

Recycled materials

Repurposed aluminium

80% of the raw material sourced for Polestar 3’s aluminium deco panels comes from post-industrial waste, giving used aluminium a new life as distinctive interior components.

Traced materials

Tracing materials is the first step towards achieving more responsible sourcing and production processes. The list of traced materials for Polestar 3 includes leather, wool, cobalt, mica, nickel, lithium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold.

Polestar works with blockchain partner Circulor to trace battery risk minerals such as cobalt, mica, nickel, and lithium, and with Bridge of Weir to trace leather.

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Headrest upholstered in light Nappa Leather.

Responsibly sourced and traced materials

Perforated Nappa leather

The optional leather upholstery uses hide from farms in countries rated as the highest global standard by the Animal Protection Index. Sourced via Bridge of Weir and certified chrome-free.

Used in Polestar 3 upholstery. 

Headrest upholstered in Animal welfare-certified wool.

Responsibly sourced and traced materials

Animal welfare-certified wool

The wool used for Polestar 3’s interior comes from farms with a progressive approach to land management and animal welfare. Traceability of the wool is certified from origin to the yarn stage of production.  

Used in Polestar 3 upholstery.

Zoom-in of lithium. Black background.

Blockchain traced risk materials

Lithium

Lithium is an alkali metal used in Polestar 3’s lithium-ion batteries for its high energy density. Risks associated with mining lithium include corruption, weak rule of law and conflict with indigenous peoples. 

Close-up of shimmering nickel rock. Blck background.

Blockchain traced risk materials

Nickel

Nickel is a lustrous metal used in the Polestar 3 lithium-ion battery pack to boost its energy density. Major risks associated with mining nickel include pollution from hazardous materials, conflict with indigenous peoples and overlap with conserved areas.

Cobalt blue rock on black background.

Blockchain traced risk materials

Cobalt

Cobalt is a hard metal used to extend battery life in Polestar 3’s lithium-ion battery pack. Major risks associated with mining cobalt include forced labour and child labour, corruption, weak rule of law, high-intensity conflicts, and pollution from hazardous materials.

Close-up of flakey golden mica rock. Black background.

Blockchain traced risk materials

Mica

Mica is a group of silicate minerals used in the Polestar 3 lithium-ion battery pack as a thermal barrier to hinder fire, and improve safety and robustness. Major risks associated with mining mica include child labour and forced labour, weak rule of law, corruption, artisanal and small-scale mining. 

3TG

Tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, also known as ‘conflict minerals’ have a wide range of applications in Polestar 3’s construction and electronics. In politically unstable areas, the minerals’ trade can be used to finance armed groups, fuel forced labour and other human rights abuses, and support corruption and money laundering. 3TG is traced via Conflict Mineral Reporting, which promotes smelters validated to conform with the Responsible Minerals Assurance Program (RMAP).

Carbon footprint

We’re constantly assessing the materials and production methods used for our cars to lower greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing process (also known as the cradle-to-gate phase). You can reduce the total footprint during the car’s use phase by charging with renewable energy.

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Close-up of black componenents and material.

Polestar 3 lifecycle

Material production

Many different materials are used to make a Polestar 3, for example aluminium, steel, electronics, and plastics. Each material category contributes to the overall carbon footprint of the vehicle, as does the electricity mix used in production and refining. We aim to continuously reduce the carbon impact and improve the accuracy of our footprint calculations.

Close up li-ion battery modules.

Polestar 3 lifecycle

Li-ion battery modules

Several factors contribute to the battery’s carbon footprint, from the energy used for cell production to the aluminium used in the battery casing. We push our suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of the battery modules they supply.

Polestar 3 body work. Interior factory environment.

Polestar 3 lifecycle

Manufacturing

Polestar 3 production is split between Chengdu, China and Ridgeville, USA for the North American market. The Chengdu plant is a key component of our sustainability strategy, and has been powered by 100% renewable electricity since 2021.

Polestar 3 close up of rear side back view, showcasing the lit red tail light.

Polestar 3 lifecycle

Use phase

After a Polestar 3 leaves the factory gates, its owner can make a significant difference to its overall carbon footprint by charging it with renewable energy.  

Up-close image of white yarn.

Polestar 3 lifecycle

End of life 

Over 85% of the Polestar 3 is recyclable, whereas several components can be reused or remanufactured. Increasing components’ lifespan in this way can reduce waste and avoid the CO2 emissions associated with making new components.

Cradle-to-gate carbon footprint

These figures represent the CO₂e emissions of Polestar 3 in the cradle-to-gate phase of the car’s life cycle.

Long range Dual motor

Total*
24.7t
Materials production
16.8t
Battery modules
5.9t
Manufacturing and logistics
2t
Close-up of black battery modules.

Battery carbon footprint

The battery cell modules used in Polestar 3 are manufactured using renewable electricity. This, in combination with having renewable electricity also in anode and cathode production, lowers the CO2e emissions per kWh by 41% compared to Polestar 2 launch edition.*

Carbon footprint proportions

This breakdown shows the contributions of each material to the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of Polestar 3 (Long range Dual motor).

Aluminium

28%

Battery modules

26%

Steel & Iron

19%

Electronics

9%

Polymers

9%

Other materials

9%

More about Polestar 3

    • Visuals are for illustrative purposes only.

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