A Hybrid AHP-MOORA Framework for Strategic Sustainable Selection Of HighPerformance Biocomposites in Lightweight Automotive Strut Bar Applications for Electric Vehicles (EV)

The transition to sustainable transportation has accelerated the search for alternative lightweight and environmentally friendly materials in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This study introduces a hybrid Analytical Hierarchy Process-Multi-Objective Optimisation on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (AHP-MOORA) framework for strategic selection of high-performance natural fiber biocomposites in EV Strut Bar applications. The proposed methodology combines expert-based weighting of selection criteria using AHP with the computational ranking efficiency of MOORA, resulting in a balanced, objective material decision process. A detailed Product Design Specification (PDS) is developed, considering key attributes such as mechanical strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, sustainability, weight, availability, and cost. The hybrid framework was used to evaluate fourteen natural fiber alternatives. The results revealed that coir fiber provides the best balance of performance, affordability, and sustainability, making it the top candidate. Kenaf, oil palm, and flax fibers followed closely, all with competitive profiles. In contrast, fibers such as sisal and ramie, while mechanically promising, were ranked lower due to cost and availability issues. The study confirms the AHP-MOORA method’s robustness and applicability in complex material selection problems involving multiple, often conflicting criteria. This framework also provides a scalable, replicable model for long-term material innovation, primarily in automotive applications. The study supports the widespread use of biocomposites and demonstrates their viability in structural EV components, providing both environmental and engineering benefits.