Some people might wish they’d had this innovation in their cars about five years ago: built-in cabin sanitizing.

Though Hyundai Motor Co. affiliates Hyundai and Kia didn’t mention the Covid pandemic, it would seem that the global event must have influenced their new creation.

The South Korean automakers introduced Plasma Care UVC, what they say is the world’s first such sanitizing technology for vehicle interiors. The invention uses a plasma lamp to disinfect the interior and reduce any odors. 

Plasma Care uses far-ultraviolet C, or far UVC light, of up to 230 nanometers, making it safe for environments where people are present, unlike traditional ultraviolet sterilization, the companies said, pointing out that its strength effectively disinfects while penetrating only people’s outermost skin layer.

Hyundai and Kia said development of Plasma Care required their researchers to overcome the challenges of small spaces, plentiful electronics, and occupants’ close quarters.

They conducted various tests through certified organizations and research centers, including in a Kia PV5 electric van, saying that the latter test finding showed 99.9% “eradication of Escherichia coli (E. coli) after 40 minutes of irradiation.”

The automakers said they’ll continue testing before adding the technology to their vehicles.

“We expect it to serve as a valuable cabin hygiene solution that delivers a more pleasant mobility experience across future mobility scenarios, including autonomous driving and purpose-built vehicles,” said Han Joo Jang, a senior research engineer for the companies.