Hyundai Mobis unveils built-in sterilization system that sterilizes and purifies air in cars

Hyundai Mobis has developed something that can be considered a necessity today. It has unveiled its new technology that can purify and sterilize the air in vehicles.

As per Aju Business Daily, Hyundai Mobis created this technology in response to the latest trend that put heightened importance on hygiene due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The auto parts unit of the Hyundai group made a built-in air sterilization system that will directly purify the air inside the vehicle.

The new technology is different from the air condition filters that only filter pollutants. It is also not a separate machine that is simply placed inside an enclosed space. Hyundai Mobis made the built-in system using ultraviolet rays (UV), and its main task is to remove the bacteria present in mechanical devices and an air duct.

The system also uses antibacterial materials to eradicate the harmful free-living organisms in the air. Its UV photocatalytic sterilization process makes use of hydroxyl radicals that are produced when a UV light emitting diode (LED) is illuminated by a photocatalytic filter. In turn, the hydroxyl radicals will be activated and attack vital cell components in bacteria then the surface structures of viruses are oxidized to make the air safer to breathe.

It was further explained that the new air sterilization system in cars draws in the air in the vehicle and discharges it into clean air via UV photocatalytic sterilization. Car owners can mount the system in spaces inside the vehicle dashboards, and it will sterilize the air without a problem even if the air conditioning system is working.

Choi Jae Seob, Hyundai Mobis head of interior and module design sector, said in a statement that was released late last week, "We are incorporating various ideas to provide a pleasant and safe travel experience for passengers."

Meanwhile, testing carried out by the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), a state-run agency, showed that the air sterilization system in Hyundai Mobis’ new technology has truly lowered the concentration of yellow staphylococcus that are floating in the air. Based on the test, the agency confirmed a decrease of 99.9%.