In recent years, competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector has been heating up faster than a UAE summer. With over 700 active charging stations across the UAE and plans to exceed 1,000 in a few years, the future of electric motoring in the country is growing greener by the day. As the market expands, so does the competition, and Polestar is revving up to lead the charge.

The words innovation, sustainability, and transparency are bandied about by sustainable car manufacturers as they jostle for space in an already competitive market. For Polestar, these three words are far from just buzzwords—they describe its entire ethos. The Swedish car brand is building its future around these principles, which are integral to its market differentiation.

Having built sustainability into its mission, Polestar has avoided the pitfalls of legacy technology investments like internal combustion engine developments, allowing the carmaker to focus on green technologies and create efficient vehicles that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Polestar made its mark in the UAE in 2019 with the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback, establishing the brand with help from Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company (AFEMC), the official distributor. Now Polestar is making waves again with the Polestar 3, an all-electric SUV boasting a range of up to 628km and a top speed of 210 kph.

‘Polestar 3 is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles worldwide, and we are thrilled to bring this car into the region,’ Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director at AFEMC, tells The Ethicalist. ‘For us, this car will unlock the UAE market for Polestar as it redefines what SUVs can do in terms of performance while enabling zero carbon emissions.’

Polestar leads the EV drive

Having driven the Polestar 3, The Ethicalist can attest that the car is mightily impressive inside and out. Polestar’s design features sustainable materials, including bio-attributed MicroTech and fully traceable wool upholsteries, ensuring ethical and sustainable standards.

Now, while eco-friendly seats are good for the conscience, they’re unlikely to be the deciding factor when purchasing a new car. However, Polestar’s integrated technology might persuade you. The vehicles are equipped with the NVIDIA DRIVE core computer, enhancing computing power for smarter driving experiences, optimising vehicle performance, and improving energy efficiency.

Taking the in-car experience up a notch is the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, a next-gen infotainment system that keeps drivers connected with easy-to-use, energy-smart tech.

Polestar is clearly having fun blending cutting-edge tech with a green ethos, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Beyond the buzzwords, Polestar is committed to sustainability with bold initiatives like Product Lifecycle Declarations for every car, which detail everything from carbon footprints to the materials used.

They’re even using blockchain to track materials like mica and cobalt, making sure they’re sourced ethically, with no human rights violations, setting new standards of transparency in the industry.

‘We use a significant number of recycled materials in our vehicles, such as PET, aluminium, and steel, as well as investing in advanced battery technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, such as exploring solid-state batteries and improving battery lifecycle management,’ says Hasan.

They’re even using blockchain to track materials like mica and cobalt, making sure they’re sourced ethically, with no human rights violations, setting new standards of transparency in the industry. Polestar is also committed to decarbonising its supply chain by working closely with suppliers to ensure every stage of manufacturing meets stringent sustainability standards.

Polestar 3 aligns perfectly with Al-Futtaim’s vision of shaping a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in the UAE. With their charging stations and the region’s first IMI-certified e-mobility training centre, AFEMC isn’t just selling cars; they’re investing in a sustainable future.

‘Polestar collaborates with partners like Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company to develop distribution, servicing, and charging infrastructure in key markets,’ Hasan explains. ‘AFEMC’s commitment to expanding charging networks and providing top-tier care for EV owners is crucial to advancing green mobility in the UAE.’

Hasan explains that staying competitive means delivering vehicles that are desirable, exciting, and engaging to drive. Even as EV sales face challenges in Europe, the UAE market is on an upward trajectory.

‘While Europe faces this downturn, demand for EVs in the UAE remains robust,’ Hasan states. ‘The UAE market is buoyed by strong government support and private sector initiatives promoting electric mobility.’

Globally, Polestar has seen impressive growth with an 80 percent rise in deliveries in the second quarter of the year, driven by a focus on high-demand markets.

‘Polestar is focusing on key markets like the UAE and positioning itself to not only weather current market fluctuations but also to emerge stronger in the long term,’ says Hasan.

Speaking of long-term, the carmaker has lofty ambitions to produce a revolutionary climate-neutral car by 2030 known as the ‘Polestar 0 Project’. The structured plan involves rethinking every component to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions entirely.

‘The focus is on eliminating emissions at the source, which involves a comprehensive evaluation of every step in the car’s life cycle, from material extraction to final delivery,’ says Hasan. ‘Project 0 also emphasises transparency and innovative circular design, including developing circular batteries and using recycled materials wherever possible. It is not just about creating a single car; it promises to be a catalyst for industry-wide change.’

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