Hyundai and Kia developed a UV system that eliminates bacteria inside a vehicle while you are seated in it.

      Hyundai and Kia have introduced Plasma Care UVC, a far-ultraviolet sanitization system designed to work inside a car cabin even with passengers present. This innovative technology is touted as the first of its kind for production vehicles, utilizing far-ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria and viruses in the vehicle interior.

      Traditional ultraviolet sterilization methods can be harmful to human skin and eyes, typically used in empty spaces like airplane restrooms between passengers. In contrast, Plasma Care UVC emits far-ultraviolet C light within the 200 to 230 nanometer range, a wavelength that is harmless to human skin but lethal to bacteria and viruses, which do not have the same protective outer barrier as human cells.

      The manufacturers conducted three rounds of independent testing. Results from the Korea Testing Laboratory indicated nearly a 97 percent reduction in airborne viruses within 30 minutes in a simulated vehicle cabin, while joint research with Seoul National University found a 99 percent elimination of pneumonia-causing bacteria in just 30 seconds. A final test by the Korea Automotive Technology Institute demonstrated a 99 percent reduction of E. coli within 40 minutes in an actual vehicle.

      Fitting this technology into a car posed a considerable engineering challenge, as larger Far-UVC systems used in hospitals and schools require too much power for vehicle applications. The R&D division at Hyundai Motor Group successfully miniaturized the plasma lamp and integrated an optical filter to ensure the emitted wavelengths remained safe, while also enhancing the system's resilience to vibrations and temperature changes.

      In addition to its pathogen-killing capabilities, the system reportedly neutralizes odors by targeting the organisms responsible for them, potentially eliminating the need for chemical air fresheners in cars.

      Currently, Plasma Care UVC has not been implemented in any production vehicles. Hyundai and Kia are still conducting tests to align with international safety standards before the technology enters the manufacturing stage. The companies have yet to disclose which vehicle models will incorporate the system first or the timeline for deliveries.

      The system does come with limitations, as UVC light can only disinfect surfaces and air that it directly reaches, meaning that bacteria in shaded areas or under seats could remain. Furthermore, some pathogens may have the ability to repair themselves after exposure to UV light. Therefore, it is vital for Hyundai and Kia to convey that Plasma Care UVC should be viewed as a supplemental measure to regular cleaning rather than a complete substitute, particularly when the feature is presented to consumers.