- Hyundai is researching three technologies to improve vehicle cabin heating and cooling systems.
- Technology can lead to increased efficiency
- Increased efficiency could lead to greater EV range, but could also make gasoline-powered cars more efficient
Hyundai and Kia are testing ways to heat and cool car cabins more efficiently, while saving energy.
At a technology demonstration in South Korea, two automakers unveiled a radiant heating system uses a heating element to direct warm air toward the occupants’ feet. It delivers warmth to the lower body within three minutes, using less energy to reach a comfortable cabin temperature and potentially helping extend the EV’s range, Hyundai says.
Hyundai and Kia demonstrate new climate control technology
The heater can reach 230 degrees Fahrenheit, but has an anti-scald system that automatically lowers the temperature when it detects body contact. For the demonstration, nine panels with this type of heater were installed on the Kia EV9 electric SUV, covering the base of the steering column, door panels, center console, and base of the glove box.
Another technology introduced is hot glass powered by a 48-volt electrical system. The system can completely defrost the glass in five minutes at temperatures as low as -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, up to four times faster than conventional climate control systems, Hyundai says. This version also uses about 10 percent less energy than conventional climate control systems, and the embedded metal coating used to transfer heat can also block the sun’s rays to reduce cabin temperatures on hot days.
Hyundai and Kia demonstrate new climate control technology
Features like these are likely to be applied to all types of vehicles to enhance cabin comfort while energy saving. But they make the most sense for EVs, which don’t have internal combustion engines to generate the heat that gives their interiors their name. Ford figured out that heated interior surfaces can help increase EV rangeand supplier ZF has announced a heated seat belts in 2023 made a similar statement.
Hyundai and Kia also proved once again window tinting technology automakers will first unveil it in 2023. This uses a special film to thermal mass prevents heat from escaping the vehicle while still allowing heat to escape. Hyundai has previously demonstrated the film on customer vehicles in Pakistan, where conventional window film is illegal. Hyundai reported a 54.5 degree temperature reduction during internal testing.
