Kia teases renewable interiors at EV event

In South Korea, automaker Kia has revealed plans for electric vehicles that also employ renewable materials like mushroom root, hemp, and flax fibers. In a presentation at Seoul’s recent “EV Day,” Kia announced its plans to transition away from leather interiors toward biobased and recycled materials. The company told Automotive News that consoles for its EV3 and EV4 models would use composites from hemp and mushroom root as well as pigments from walnut shells.

Ascend Performance Materials told the publication demand for alternative materials is robust.  “When customers come to us, they’re looking for a reduced carbon footprint,” said Isaac Khalil, senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Ascend.

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