South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have unveiled an innovative technology called Plasma Care UVC that can disinfect a car's cabin even while driving with passengers inside. The system uses far-UVC light with a wavelength of 200–230 nm and also helps reduce unpleasant odors, according to infohub.kz.
The technology is based on radiation with a wavelength of 200–230 nm. According to the developers, this type of ultraviolet light effectively kills viruses and bacteria, but barely penetrates the top layer of skin and poses no danger to eyes.
For the car, engineers created a compact plasma lamp resistant to vibrations and temperature fluctuations. It is also equipped with a special optical filter that controls the radiation range.
In tests, the number of viruses in the air dropped by 96.8% in 30 minutes. In a separate laboratory test, bacteria causing pneumonia were eliminated by 99.9% in 30 seconds. In tests on the Kia PV5, the system eliminated 99.9% of E. coli in 40 minutes.
For now, Plasma Care UVC remains a research project. Hyundai and Kia will continue to verify its effectiveness and safety in accordance with international standards before considering installing the technology in production vehicles.