Hyundai Motor and Kia Develop World's First New Technology for Real-Time Vehicle Interior Sterilization and Deodorization

*This content was translated by AI.

Hyundai Motor and Kia announced that they have developed the world's first new hygiene management technology, "Plasma Care UVC," which can sterilize and deodorize the vehicle interior in real time while passengers are on board.

Existing vehicle ultraviolet sterilization technologies were used only to sterilize small items in enclosed spaces with minimal external contact, such as armrests and crashpad storage compartments. This was because the existing technology used UVC light in the 255th–280 nanometer (nm) range, which could be harmful to the human body if it directly touched the skin or eyes. The newly developed Plasma Care UVC features the implementation of Far-UVC (far ultraviolet) light in the 200th–230 nanometer range using a plasma lamp method, which does not affect the human body.

Hyundai Motor and Kia optimized the Far-UVC lamp technology, previously used in large spaces such as hospitals and schools, for the automotive environment. They prevented interference with vehicle electrical components, miniaturized the system, and enhanced durability to withstand vibrations and temperature changes occurring during driving. A special optical filter that completely blocks harmful light outside the designated wavelength was also applied to strengthen safety. In tests conducted by the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTL) in an 8-cubic-meter (㎥) chamber for performance verification, airborne viruses decreased by 96.8% after 30 minutes of operation.

Hyundai Motor and Kia stated that they will continue to verify safety and sterilization capabilities, advance technology in line with changes in international safety standards and regulations, and carefully examine plans for actual vehicle application.

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*This content was translated by AI.