Hyundai and Kia reveal cabin cleaning technology for future vehicles

Hyundai Motor and Kia have introduced a new in-car sanitising technology that could make vehicle cabins cleaner and fresher in the future.

Called Plasma Care UVC, the system uses a specialised type of ultraviolet light known as Far-UVC to reduce bacteria, airborne viruses and odour-causing microorganisms inside a vehicle.

The companies say it is the world's first in-vehicle sanitisation technology of its kind. Unlike traditional UVC systems, which generally need to operate in enclosed spaces because direct exposure can be harmful to skin and eyes, Plasma Care UVC uses Far-UVC light in the 200 to 230 nanometre range. This wavelength is designed to have very limited penetration into human skin while still being capable of damaging the DNA of bacteria and viruses.

Hyundai and Kia developed the technology around a compact plasma lamp, as producing Far-UVC light at the required wavelength is difficult using conventional LED systems. The system also incorporates optical filtering to help precisely control the emitted wavelength. This is particularly important in a vehicle cabin, where passengers are positioned close to the light source and numerous electronic components occupy a relatively confined space.

The technology has undergone testing in several environments. In a controlled chamber designed to simulate a vehicle cabin, testing by the Korea Testing Laboratory recorded a 96.8% reduction in airborne viruses within 30 minutes. Separate testing conducted with Seoul National University's Agriculture and Life Sciences Venture Center demonstrated strong results against bacteria under laboratory conditions, while trials carried out by the Korea Automotive Technology Institute using a Kia PV5 recorded a 99.9% reduction in E. coli after 40 minutes of irradiation.

Hyundai and Kia believe the technology could play an important role in future mobility services, particularly in purpose-built vehicles such as school shuttles, delivery vehicles and autonomous transport. These vehicles often carry numerous passengers or transport different goods throughout the day, making cabin hygiene an increasingly important consideration.

For now, Plasma Care UVC remains a research and development technology and is not yet available in production vehicles. Any future commercial introduction will depend on additional testing, engineering validation and regulatory approval. Even so, the innovation provides a glimpse into a future where vehicles do more than transport occupants—they could also actively help maintain a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable cabin environment during every journey.