Hyundai is developing three innovative technologies aimed at enhancing the heating and cooling systems within vehicle cabins. These advancements have the potential to significantly boost efficiency, which could translate to increased driving ranges for electric vehicles. Additionally, the same technology could also be applied to gasoline-powered cars, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
Hyundai and Kia are exploring innovative methods to optimize cabin temperature control in their vehicles, aiming to reduce energy consumption and enhance overall efficiency.
During a technology demonstration in South Korea, the two automakers unveiled a radiant heating system that uses a heating element to direct warm air at occupants’ legs. It delivers warmth to the lower body within three minutes, using less energy to achieve a comfortable cabin temperature and potentially helping stretch EV range, according to Hyundai.
The heating element can reach 230 degrees Fahrenheit but features a burn prevention system that automatically lowers the temperature when body contact is detected. For the demonstration, nine panels with this type of heating element were installed on a Kia EV9 electric SUV, covering the base of the steering column, door panels, center console, and the base of the glove box.
Another technology showcased was heated glass powered by a 48-volt electrical system. This system can fully defrost the glass in five minutes at temperatures as low as -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is up to four times faster than conventional climate control, according to Hyundai. This innovation also uses approximately 10% less energy than traditional climate control. The embedded metal coating, used to transmit heat, can also block solar rays to reduce cabin temperature on hot days.
Such features have the potential to improve the comfort of vehicle cabins and conserve energy across all types of vehicles. However, they are particularly beneficial in electric vehicles (EVs), as these vehicles lack traditional combustion engines to produce heat for warming interiors. Ford’s research indicates that heated interior surfaces might increase the range of EVs, and supplier ZF introduced a heated seat belt in 2023 with similar benefits in mind.
Hyundai and Kia also showcased their innovative window-tinting technology, first unveiled in 2023. This advanced solution uses a special film to block heat from entering the vehicle while also allowing trapped heat to escape. The technology was previously tested on customer vehicles in Pakistan, where traditional window tinting is prohibited. Hyundai has reported temperature reductions of up to 54.5 degrees in internal testing.