Hyundai Motor and Kia Unveil World's First In-Vehicle Plasma Care UVC Sanitization Technology
Hyundai Motor and Kia have introduced the world's first in-vehicle sanitization system using Far-UVC light that can operate safely with passengers inside.
- 96.8%
- 99.9%
- 99.9%
What Happened
Hyundai Motor and Kia have unveiled 'Plasma Care UVC,' a sanitization system that uses a plasma lamp to generate Far-UVC light in the 200-230 nm range. Unlike conventional UVC, Far-UVC is safe for use with passengers present because its limited penetration depth does not reach living skin cells. The system can reduce bacteria and odor-causing microorganisms inside the cabin, even while people are inside. The technology was validated through multiple tests, including a 96.8% reduction in airborne viruses in 30 minutes and 99.9% eradication of bacteria in under a minute.
- 315-400 nm; causes chemical reactions; industrial curing
- 280-315 nm; biological effects; phototherapy
- 200-280 nm; powerful sterilization; UV sterilizers
- Plasma lamp generates Far-UVC wavelengths (200-230 nm) which are difficult with LEDs
- Miniaturized and power-efficient design for vehicle use
- Durability optimized for vibrations, temperature changes, and driving conditions
- Optical filter ensures only controlled Far-UVC wavelengths are emitted
Spatial sanitization test in 8-cubic-meter chamber by Korea Testing Laboratory confirmed 96.8% reduction in airborne viruses within 30 minutes.
Component-level test with Seoul National University showed 99.9% eradication of pneumonia-causing bacteria after 30 seconds of Far-UVC exposure.
Real-vehicle test on a Kia PV5 by Korea Automotive Technology Institute confirmed 99.9% eradication of E. coli after 40 minutes.
To showcase the technology, Hyundai Motor and Kia released a video demonstrating Plasma Care UVC in various mobility scenarios based on the Kia PV5, including a children's school shuttle and a fruit-selling vehicle. The system is still in research and development; the companies plan to conduct further technical validation in line with international safety standards before production implementation.
Why this matters
This new technology could make vehicle cabins significantly cleaner by continuously sanitizing air and surfaces even with occupants inside. It addresses hygiene concerns in shared vehicles like school shuttles or delivery vans. The system is still in development, but it represents a step toward healthier mobility.
Terms in This Story
- Far-UVC
- Ultraviolet C light in the 200-230 nanometer range that can kill microorganisms but has limited skin penetration, making it safer for use with people present.
- Plasma lamp
- A light source that uses ionized gas (plasma) to produce specific wavelengths of light, in this case Far-UVC.
- PBV (purpose-built vehicle)
- A vehicle designed from the ground up for a specific commercial use, such as a school shuttle or delivery van.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.