Hyundai, Kia unveils first-ever in-vehicle UV sanitization tech

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company, together with its sister brand, Kia Corporation, has unveiled the world-first in-vehicle ultraviolet (UV) sanitization technology. 

Called the “Plasma Care UVC,” it uses a plasma lamp and is said to be capable of eliminating in-car odors and even bacteria. Unlike the usual UV sanitization gadgets available for cleaning, however, Hyundai and Kia’s new device is built into the ceiling (headliner) of a car. 

It can even be used with occupants present due to its less harmful far-ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) light in the 200-230 nanometer range. Thanks to this wavelength, the Plasma Care UVC can remain effective without being harmful to humans - even under direct exposure. 

Notably, the usual UVC devices that are readily available in the market come with much higher wavelengths, whereas the ones developed by the Korean car brands for in-car purposes are fine-tuned to be similar to UVC tools used in occupied spaces such as schools and hospitals. 

Per Hyundai Motor Group, it faced some challenges in implementing the Plasma Care UVC technology as a working product. 

For starters, the car company had to make it more power-efficient yet small enough for in-vehicle use. It was likewise designed for durability, as it will be subject to vibrations and temperature fluctuations that a regularly used vehicle experiences day to day. Also given priority was a safety control via an optical filter.

Other stories: PH-spec GAC E8 to be offered in 2 variants Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jun. 22-26 Honda to rename rugby team

 

As Hyundai Motor Group disclosed, its newly developed Plasma Care UVC was tested on the Kia PV5 - a versatile all-electric van platform that rides on the manufacturer’s E-GMP.S EV skateboard chassis. 

During testing aboard the PV5, Hyundai says the Plasma Care UVC eradicated 99.9 percent of E. Coli after 40 minutes of use. 

Plasma Care UVC: projected real-world use

As one can imagine, the Plasma Care UVC aboard the Kia PV5 has many real-world applications. 

Together with the said EV van model, this system may be useful in turning the vehicle into a clean and fresh mobile food truck, specifically a fruit-selling vehicle. 

The added benefit of having a thoroughly clean vehicle interior is also beneficial for those wanting to turn the Kia PV5 into a shuttle for school-age children. 

Kia PV5 in PH

For now, Hyundai Motor Company has yet to determine when it will make the Plasma Care UVC commercially available. 

With regard to the Kia PV5, however, it was previously shared by Kia Philippines Managing Director Jose Marie Lopez that it is one of the three electrified models that are heading for the local market in 2026. 

The other two include the Kia Sportage Turbo Hybrid and the Kia EV3. 

Also read:

Will the Kia Sportage have the same warm reception as in UK?

Kia Sonet gets one-star Global NCAP AOP rating

Kia concept car designed using AR device

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/