The Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans is a non-binding declaration. It states that automakers promise to make a full switch to electric cars within now and 2040 (within now and 2035 in key markets). Six companies have signed it: Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes and Volvo (which includes Polestar). The rest refuse.
Polestar director angry about slow action by carmakers
“Automakers are still talking about selling petrol and diesel cars through 2040,” said Polestar boss Thomas Ingenlath. “Given the lifespan of a car, it will still be around in the second half of this century. [Die fabrikanten] slow down one of the most powerful environmental protection solutions we have at our disposal.”
‘The development of fuel cars must stop’
Ingenlath understands that the transition to electric propulsion is complex and expensive. And he’s happy that so many automakers have plunged into EV development. What he fundamentally disagrees with, however, is the continued focus on fuel models. “Suppose you have to explain this to a child: that in 30 years there will still be cars that produce toxic gases, making the air harmful to breathe.”
‘Electric cars are just the beginning’, says Polestar
“Building electric cars is not the end point, but only the beginning,” says Ingenlath. “We need to put in just as much effort to clean up the supply chain and maximize recycling. […] Clean means clean from start to finish. Polestar is not perfect, but we are working to get better.” Polestar is the only manufacturer to publish the full carbon footprint of its cars. The company is now working on a fully carbon neutral model.