Hyundai and Kia have developed a UV light sanitizing system to reduce bacteria and viruses in car interiors. The concept is called Plasma Care UVC, and it uses far-ultraviolet C (far UVC) light in the 200-230 nanometer wavelength range. This specific wavelength provides enough energy to kill bacteria and viruses, but not enough to penetrate beyond the protective outer keratin layer of human skin, making it safe for use in occupied vehicles.
Far-UVC tech has already been proposed for use in hospitals and schools, but some modifications were needed to work in cars. The more confined space, closer proximity of occupants to UV emitters, and the plethora of electronics in a vehicle’s interior all presented issues. Components were shrunk to fit, and put through the same durability testing as anything else that goes into a car interior. A plasma lamp was used because it’s better at reaching the 200-230 nanometer wavelength than the typically-used LEDs, and a filter was applied to provide an extra level of safety.
View Price on AmazonEngineers tested the hardware in a roughly 282-cubic-foot chamber designed to simulate a car interior, claiming a 96.8% reduction in airborne viruses within 30 minutes. In a more conventional lab environment, the same hardware eliminated 99.9% of pneumonia-causing bacteria after 30 seconds, and completely eliminated the bacteria after 60 seconds. In a third test using a Kia PV5, the UV treatment killed 99.9% of E.coli in the electric van’s cabin after 40 minutes of use.
This UV sanitizer isn’t ready for use in production vehicles, though. Hyundai and Kia plan to do more testing, and note that like any other new automotive technology, future use in production cars is dependent on regulatory approval. The two automakers have a habit of publicizing research projects that never achieve commercialization, so don’t count on seeing UV lights in the new Hyundai Elantra.
Is this even something worth hoping for? In addition to sanitizing surfaces, Hyundai and Kia claim a UV bath can help reduce odors. That combination would be great for ride-share vehicles. But while it may not turn you into the Hulk or fry your car’s electronics, what isn’t mentioned is the possible long-term effect on the interior surfaces being sanitized. If you want your interior to keep looking nice, it’s generally best to keep UV light out, not shine it everywhere.
Source: thedrive.com
