- Hyundai and Kia say Plasma Care UVC uses Far-UVC light from a compact plasma lamp.
- The system targets bacteria and odour-causing microorganisms while passengers can remain inside the cabin.
- Production timing, vehicle models, pricing and New Zealand rollout plans have not been disclosed.
Hyundai and Kia have unveiled Plasma Care UVC, describing it as the world's first in-vehicle sanitisation technology to use a plasma lamp.
The system is designed for vehicle cabin environments, where traditional ultraviolet sanitisation has obvious limits. Conventional UVC light typically sits in the 255-280 nanometre range and is generally restricted to enclosed spaces, because it is not intended for use around people.
Plasma Care UVC instead uses Far-UVC light in the 200-230 nanometre range. Hyundai and Kia say that range has limited penetration depth, designed to remain on the outer keratin layer of skin while still targeting bacteria and microorganisms.
Built for occupied cabins
The key claim is practicality. Rather than requiring an empty vehicle or a sealed sanitisation cycle, Hyundai and Kia say Plasma Care UVC can help reduce bacteria and odour-causing microorganisms in the cabin even while passengers are present.
That could make the technology relevant to shared vehicles, family cars, taxis, ride-share vehicles and any cabin where repeated occupancy can quickly affect perceived cleanliness. Hyundai and Kia have not claimed it replaces normal cleaning, but they are positioning it as an active cabin hygiene technology rather than a one-off treatment.
Testing done, rollout unclear
Engineers developed the system to be compact and durable enough for vehicle use, with safety controls built in. Hyundai and Kia say performance has been verified through both component-level testing and real-vehicle testing.
What remains unclear is when, where or how the technology will reach production cars. The companies have not disclosed production timing, confirmed vehicle models, pricing, New Zealand availability or any rollout commitment.
For now, Plasma Care UVC is a promising piece of cabin technology rather than something buyers can yet order. But if Hyundai and Kia can bring it to market as described, it could make cabin hygiene a more active part of vehicle design, not just something left to sprays, wipes and air fresheners.
