Hyundai and Kia Test World’s First In-Vehicle Plasma Sanitisation Tech

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are testing what they claim is the world’s first in-vehicle sanitisation tech. The system utilises a specialised plasma lamp architecture engineered to continuously disinfect interior surfaces and drastically reduce cabin odours, functioning safely even while passengers remain seated inside the vehicle.

Traditional ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems typically pose health risks, as direct exposure can trigger severe skin sunburns and acute eye irritation. To circumvent these biological hazards, the newly developed 'Plasma Care UVC' system leverages Far-Ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) light technology operating at a highly specific wavelength spectrum between 200 and 230 nanometres. According to technical data released by Hyundai, this exact nanometres range is highly effective at destroying harmful microorganisms but lacks the structural energy required to penetrate the outer keratin layer of human skin.

Consequently, the system can neutralise active bacteria and airborne viruses on contact without damaging human tissue. The empirical test results confirmed that the vehicle's cabin disinfection setup eliminated 99.9% of active E. coli bacteria within 40 minutes of continuous exposure.

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Given its high safety threshold, Hyundai has indicated that this proprietary tech could eventually be deployed across larger public environments where conventional UVC systems present a radiation threat, such as school classrooms and hospital wards. An added operational advantage of the system is its ability to target and eliminate microorganisms that act as primary, odor-causing substances in enclosed spaces.

The two carmakers have already successfully validated the sanitisation technology under demanding real-world operating scenarios. Conducted in formal collaboration with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, the system was integrated and field-tested inside the PV5, which serves as Kia’s flagship electric purpose-built van.