Milan – Kia has used mycelium-infused polyurethane in the construction of a concept electric SUV, the EV2. The car made its debut at the company’s EV Day in Barcelona in February, and further details about the materials used were revealed at the recent Milan Design Week.
The mycelium-infused PU was developed in collaboration with Biomyc. It has been applied across the light blue surfaces in the car’s interior. Fine brown speckles of mycelium particles are embedded within the material, adding natural texture and depth.
Mycelium, a renewable bio-based material with good insulation properties, also features in a grown volume material used inside the car. This was created by mycelium cells that bind cellulosic agricultural waste into a solid structure, and is used for the door armrest.
Kia said the Concept EV2 represents “a leap forward in urban mobility highlighted by its bold interior innovations in terms of design concept and materials”. Other bio-based materials used in the car’s construction include cellulose waste-based Fybron from Simplyfiber, and Bcomp’s AmpliTex hemp biocomposites.
“Replacing conventional synthetic materials significantly reduces the overall weight of the vehicle while maintaining levels of strength and robustness required from a lifestyle-focused SUV,” Kia said. “This not only enhances fuel efficiency but also supports a more environmentally conscious vehicle lifecycle.”
