Polestar increases recycled cobalt share in Polestar 2 and 3 batteries

Polestar reports at least 50% recycled cobalt in Polestar 2 and 3 batteries, highlighting circularity strategy, battery reuse and supply chain transparency.

Polestar has raised the share of recycled cobalt in the batteries of its Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 models to at least 50% — a level that stands out against current industry benchmarks. In 2023, recycled cobalt accounted for only about 5–6% of global supply, making this move a clear signal of acceleration toward circular material use.

This step is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on newly mined resources and keep materials in circulation for as long as possible. Polestar is not focusing on recycling alone: it is also extending battery lifespan and preserving value during use, linking environmental impact directly with the ownership experience.

The significance of this approach becomes clearer when considering the role of cobalt in batteries. The metal is essential for improving cathode stability and extending battery life, making it a critical component of modern lithium-ion systems. At the same time, cobalt is associated with some of the most complex supply chain challenges, including environmental risks and labor concerns in mining regions. In Europe, these issues are increasingly addressed through regulation, with upcoming rules mandating minimum shares of recycled cobalt in batteries.

In practical terms, Polestar is implementing circularity through cooperation with Volvo Cars’ battery centers. Refurbished high-voltage batteries are used as replacements, ensuring comparable state-of-health and allowing components to remain in use longer while reducing overall environmental impact.

The company is also building partnerships with recyclers across all its markets and expanding supply chain transparency. Polestar 2 became one of the first vehicles to feature blockchain-traceable cobalt, while lifecycle assessments and CO₂ reporting remain central to its sustainability strategy.

Circularity extends beyond batteries. The brand already uses recycled aluminum and steel, materials derived from PET waste, and ECONYL-based components. At the same time, it is simplifying material composition and developing modular designs to support reuse and recycling.

Together, these measures reflect a broader shift in the electric vehicle industry: moving toward a system where materials are continuously reused, tracked, and reintegrated rather than extracted and discarded.