Mushrooms to Make a Kia

On the occasion of the official launch of the EV5, Kia unveiled two concept cars, the EV3 and EV4, with very distinctive features.

Both concept cars EV3 and EV4 perfectly illustrate the two rapidly growing automotive worlds, with a sedan and an SUV. Two styles, two mindsets, but the same commitment to prioritizing revolutionary ecological materials and methodologies.

For the EV3 Concept, Kia’s team responsible for colors, materials, and finishes (CMF) widely adopted natural fiber to replace traditional carbon fiber in the construction of lightweight, thinner seat structures.

A Mushroom Console

Even more surprising, the material chosen by Kia for the EV3 Concept’s console wasn’t manufactured; it was cultivated! The mycelium used comes from mushroom roots. It can be grown into any shape using a mold that gives it its final form after a still-studied treatment, acknowledged Kia.

More traditionally, the interior of the EV4 Concept was designed by applying natural dyes on 100% recycled cotton. Using roots of madder and nutshells, the team can achieve an almost infinite range of shades inspired, of course, by the earth.

Kia Committed to the Path of Sustainable Materials

Among the 10 sustainable materials now used across all models of the South Korean manufacturer, bioplastics are included. Made from biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn extract, wood shavings, and sugarcane, bioplastics are used in vehicle components like dashboards, consoles, pillars, and trims. Kia has identified biopolyurethane as an optimal replacement for leather, as the material incorporates plant-based components and provides excellent support, cushioning, and durability. Vehicle carpets can be created from 100% recycled PET, and Kia offers the possibility that part of this material comes from recycled fishing nets.