Polestar, the Swedish automaker that specializes in luxury electric vehicles, is distinguishing itself from other electric vehicle (EV) makers through its emphasis on transparency. One of the ways it achieves this is through a series of data reports available on its website.
Customers often inquire about the sustainability of Polestar vehicles, and the company addresses this concern by providing detailed information about its manufacturing and operations. In May 2021, Polestar partnered with Circulor, a London-based firm specializing in blockchain-based systems, to track the components used in its vehicles and calculate the carbon emissions generated throughout the supply chain.
Tracing raw materials back to their source poses challenges, as it may uncover labor rights violations and environmental neglect. Polestar acknowledges that some of the raw materials it sources are only available in limited areas, making the tracing process complex and expensive.
Circulor employs various methods, including precise geolocation and verification of delivery times and weights, to create a digital twin model of each shipment. The company stores this data on a private blockchain solution based on Oracle Hyperledger, ensuring both immutability and access control.
While Polestar’s website provides some information about supply chain risks and its use of Circulor’s system, the company does not disclose the names or categories of its suppliers. In contrast, Tesla’s Impact Report offers more detailed information about the sourcing and tracing of raw materials.
Polestar also provides “Life Cycle Assessments” for its vehicles, which use Circulor’s research to calculate the carbon footprint of each electric vehicle. These assessments consider factors such as energy consumption and the carbon intensity of EV production.
Government regulations have also played a significant role in driving supply chain transparency. The European Union recently adopted battery regulations that require manufacturers to report recycled content, carbon footprints, and other data points through a “battery passport.” Similarly, the U.S. clean-vehicle tax credits now require accounting of mineral supply chains, signaling a growing standard for transparency in the industry.
By prioritizing transparency and providing access to data reports, Polestar aims to build trust with customers and position itself as a leader in sustainable EV manufacturing.
Sources:
– TechBBQ conference interview with Lisa Bolin, Polestar’s climate lead
– Interview with Ellen Carey, Circulor’s chief external affairs officer