YEOJU, South Korea — Kia's upcoming line of affordable electric vehicles will have interiors that are funky and even — quite literally — fungal.
The South Korean automaker displayed the new approach this month at its EV Day presentation, where executives unveiled three new all-electric vehicles. The EV5 crossover and concept versions of a smaller EV3 crossover and EV4 sedan all showcased innovative cabins. Kia's focus on earth-easy interiors kicks off with the EV9 crossover, which goes on sale in the U.S. by the end of this year. The EV9 will introduce what the company calls its 10 must-have materials for a greener, plant-based, leather-free ride.
Kia intends to make eco-conscious material choices core to its brand identity, and the EVs unveiled this month here outside Seoul preview its next steps. The earth-toned"sandy terracotta" interior of the EV4 is derived from organic pigments found in madder root and walnut shell.