At Milan Design Week, Kia unveiled not just a car, but a manifesto for the future. The Kia EV2 is not just electric – it’s organic, sustainable and literally grows inside.
If you thought that a sponge was only suitable for omelettes or extreme cases of home cleaning, you will be surprised. Kia EV2 illuminated. As part of the exhibition Transcend Journey Kia reveals concept car interior at Milan Design Week 2025 EV2 – and this is no ordinary electric SUV. Its cabin is made from hemp, mycelium (mushroom mesh), flax fibers, and recycled textiles. Yes, you read that right – this car is almost natural enough to be planted.
But kidding aside: The EV2 is anything but a joke. With this model, Kia opens a new chapter in the world of sustainable mobility, where it is not only batteries and emissions that matter, but also the materials, touch and soul of the car.
Interior inspired by nature
At the heart of the EV2 concept is the use of biomaterials, which are not only sustainable but also revolutionary in the automotive industry. Among the most interesting materials are:
- Simplifyber Fybron: a cellulosic material made from wood, paper and recycled textiles. This material is created by liquid casting – without the need for weaving or spinning – and is found on dashboards and interior door panels.
- Mycelium: two different forms of mushroom biomass, one incorporated into polyurethane (visible on the light blue surfaces), the other grown into a bulk material that forms, for example, armrests. The mycelium binds with cellulose from agricultural residues - a true marvel of biotechnology.
- AmpliTex: a bio-composite made from flax fibres that replaces plastic and reduces the vehicle's weight. Located in the seat structures, it is fully recyclable and visually coordinated with the EV2's dark blue colour palette.
The cabin of the future: more than seats and a steering wheel
The EV2 impresses not only with its materials, but also with its cabin design. Among the smart solutions we find:
- Seat backrests with integrated speakers
- Portable speakers in the doors
- Laterally extendable seats
- Removable seat cushions
- Lift-up rear bench to create a completely flat floor – your own 'living space' on wheels
The icing on the cake is the pedestrian lighting communication – when the EV2 detects a pedestrian, it shines its lights on them as a sign that they can safely move forward.
Exterior: urban robustness with character
The exterior of the Kia EV2 is no less interesting. The front part is adorned with an open light structure without lenses, while the rear doors are oppositely opening (so-called suicide doors), which allows for easier entry. Graphic elements on the bumpers emphasize usability, while the straight shoulder line and massive fenders give the car a robust yet futuristic silhouette.
Kia is clearly targeting young, urban buyers who want something more – not just transportation, but an experience.
Kia EV2: When and for how much?
Although it is currently still a concept, Kia announces the start of series production of the EV2 in 2020. 2026The price is not yet known, but given Kia's current positioning and advanced technology, we can expect a price in the range 20,000–30,000 EUR (approx $30,000–$40,000), which would put the EV2 in direct competition with models like the Volvo EX30, Smart #1, and Jeep Avenger EV.
Conclusion: a car you can (almost) eat
The Kia EV2 is more than just electric SUV. It is a manifesto for modern, sustainable and design-perfected mobility. Over the past decade, Kia has transformed itself from a manufacturer of “cheap and reliable” vehicles to a brand that dares to experiment, design and inspire.
Based on what we saw at the Milan show, the EV2 isn't just the future of Kia - it's the future of urban mobility. If the production model retains at least 70% of these crazy ideas, then we're in for a very exciting chapter in 2026.
And let's face it - who doesn't think it's cool to sit in a mushroom car?
