Swedish automaker Polestar is not content to just build a great electric car, the Polestar 2, but has vowed to produce the world's first truly zero-emission EV by 2030. [According to company CEO Thomas Ingenlath, this future electric vehicle will not be "fudged" carbon offset, but will be completely climate-neutral. Yes, that is, they will have zero carbon emissions released into the atmosphere during their production period and beyond.

Carbon offsetting has become common practice for many automakers seeking to reduce the apparent footprint of new vehicles, for example by planting trees or investing in green schemes.

Polestar, however, is trying a different approach with its "Polestar 0" project. Polestar, an offshoot of the Volvo electric car company, has not laid out a clear roadmap for achieving this goal, but it is understood that it will fundamentally change the way cars are produced, from how production lines are run to how suppliers are selected, materials are sourced, and components are manufactured.

"By trying to build a car that is completely climate-neutral, we are forced to reach beyond what is currently possible. As we design toward zero, we will have to question everything, innovate, and look to exponential technology." [Indeed, going carbon neutral is nothing new.

Sustainable knitwear manufacturer Sheep Inc. even claims to have a carbon-negative production and supply chain. It sources only wool from farms that use regenerative farming methods, invests 5% of its profits in biodiversity projects, uses zero waste knitting methods, and ships everything by sea to reduce CO2 emissions.

Whether an automaker can accomplish such feats is another matter, but Polestar is now working to make it happen. We will work to eradicate all emissions from production going forward," explained Frederica Klaren, head of sustainability at Polestar.

One of the ways Polestar has committed itself is to more clearly label its products, which will be displayed on its website and in the Polestar Space, a modern answer to the traditional showroom. Starting with the current Polestar 2, all vehicles will be labeled to disclose their carbon footprint and traceable risk materials.

"Consumers are a major driver in the shift to a sustainable economy," Ingenlus added. 'Consumers need to be given the proper tools to make informed and ethical decisions.' This is very clear. Today, the Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint; in 2030, we want to launch a car that doesn't."

Ingenlath added, "We have to be very clear about this.

Indeed, that is still some way off, but Polestar also has immediate plans. It plans to release an electric crossover SUV, the Polestar 3, at the end of this year.