Agricultural Waste-based Composites for Electric Vehicle Interiors: A Step Towards Sustainability Using Waste to Value Approach

With the global shift toward greener transportation, the automotive industry is rapidly adopting lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Weight reduction not only improves recyclability but also enhances vehicle performance, including driving dynamics, braking efficiency, and crash safety. A key enabler of this transition is the integration of lightweight, high-performance materials such as advanced polymer composites as sustainable alternatives to conventional automotive components. As the future of mobility increasingly leans toward electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for eco-friendly materials has never been greater. This review provides an extensive analysis of natural fibers and fillers derived from agro/food waste—such as banana, coir, corncob, date palm, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), and sugar bagasse—as potential reinforcements for biocomposites in EV interior applications. It explores the extraction processes, as well as the physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal characterization of these fibers and their reinforced composites. Additionally, the article presents a comprehensive review of automotive interior requirements, evolving market trends, and key considerations for adopting biocomposites in vehicle interiors. Finally, this review highlights the future research scope and challenges associated with integrating agriculture waste-based biocomposites into electric vehicle applications, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible automotive industry.