- Hyundai’s working on three pieces of tech to advance vehicle cabin heating and cooling
- The tech could lead to efficiency gains
- The efficiency gains could lead to more EV range, but could also make more efficient gas cars
Hyundai and Kia are testing ways to heat and cool vehicle cabins more efficiently, saving energy in the process.
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 a Hyundai.
Hyundai and Kia demonstrate new temperature control technologies
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 with energy provided by a 48-volt electrical system. This 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 version also uses around 10% less energy than regular climate control, and the embedded metal coating used to transmit heat can also block solar rays to reduce cabin temperature on hot days.
Hyundai and Kia demonstrate new temperature control technologies
Features like these could potentially be applied to all vehicles to enhance cabin comfort while saving energy. But they make the most sense in EVs, which lack combustion engines to generate heat for naming interiors. Ford has found that heated interior surfaces could help boost EV range, and supplier ZF unveiled a heated seat belt in 2023 making that same claim.
Hyundai and Kia also once again demonstrated the window-tinting tech the automakers first showed in 2023. This uses a special film to block heat from entering the vehicle while also allowing heat that has already built up to escape. Hyundai previously demonstrated the film on customer cars in Pakistan, where conventional window tinting is illegal. Hyundai has reported temperature reductions of 54.5 degrees in internal testing.
