Electric cars are thinking about sustainability inside, too – not just under the bonnet
When we think about sustainability, many of us focus on what we can see and touch every day – from the clothes we wear to the trainers on our feet. Increasingly, those same principles are shaping the cars we drive, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Interior materials are becoming a key focus for manufacturers, with recycled and sustainably sourced alternatives now replacing traditional plastics and leather. MINI is one of the latest brands to highlight just how far this approach has come.
MINI embraces recycled materials in its interiors
MINI has reaffirmed its long-standing “less is more” philosophy by placing sustainability at the heart of its latest vehicle interiors. Across the current MINI range, innovative knitted interior materials are now being used that are partially made from recycled fibres.
From 2024 onwards, all MINI models feature knit materials made from 92% recycled polyester, used across the dashboard, door trims and centre console. By prioritising secondary materials, MINI significantly reduces CO₂e emissions and water consumption compared to using new, virgin materials.
The result is an interior that doesn’t compromise on quality or durability. The knit surfaces are abrasion-resistant, leather-free and structurally reinforced, while also offering a distinctive two-tone design inspired by modern sneaker fabrics – proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Across the current MINI range, innovative knitted interior materials are now being used
The knit surfaces are abrasion-resistant, leather-free and structurally reinforced
Design for circularity beyond MINI
This material innovation is already being adopted more widely within the BMW Group. The upcoming BMW iX3, part of the brand’s Neue Klasse generation, uses a knitted instrument panel made from 75% recycled material, reinforcing BMW’s commitment to “design for circularity”.
Sustainable interiors across the electric car market
MINI is far from alone in rethinking what car interiors are made from. Several electric vehicles already available in the UK market are leading the way:
Polestar 2
Polestar 2 uses recycled PET bottles, reclaimed fishing nets and cork-based materials in its interior, offering vegan upholstery options that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing comfort
Volvo EX30
Volvo's EX30 features interiors made with recycled denim fibres, flax and recycled plastics, with Volvo estimating that around a quarter of all plastics used in the car are recycled
Tesla Model 3 (and Model Y)
The Model 3 and Y both use vegan, leather-free interiors and incorporate recycled plastics throughout cabin components
These developments show that EV sustainability is no longer just about zero tailpipe emissions. From dashboards to door trims, manufacturers are increasingly applying the same careful thinking to materials that consumers already expect in fashion, footwear and everyday products.
The bigger picture for EV drivers
For businesses and consumers considering an electric lease, these changes highlight how EVs are evolving into genuinely sustainable products – not just cleaner vehicles. As the market matures, interior materials are becoming just as important as battery range and charging capability.
The next time you think about sustainability in your daily life, it’s worth remembering that your car’s interior may now be following the same principles as your trainers – designed to look good, feel good and tread more lightly on the planet.
