Hyundai Previews ‘Hygienic’ Lounge-Like Car Concept Ideal For The COVID Era
Image via Hyundai
In the past, Hyundai’s concept electric vehicle would have been the dream car for a cleanliness freak, but the reality of the coronavirus still lingering in the air makes its features almost a necessity.
Like many other experimental vehicles, the spec ‘SEVEN’ SUV—unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show—explores the idea of a living room on wheels. It’s got swiveling lounge chairs and a bench seat, customizable for the drivers’ needs, and the control stick at the driver’s seat can be tucked away to fully create this “lounge.”
Where it stands out is its hygiene-centered interior and features, as outlined in a report by TechCrunch.
The ‘SEVEN’ is enabled with a ‘Hygiene Air Flow’ system—inspired by the airflow management of commercial planes—that keeps the air in the front and the air in the back separate, so there’s no “cross-contamination.” Drivers can activate this feature whether the car is on the go or parked.
There’s a “vertical” airflow mode where air enters through intakes in the roof rails and is extracted via the vent behind the rear wheels. Meanwhile, “horizontal” mode moves the air from the dashboard to the wheel vents.
The interior is also outfitted with “hygienic” materials like copper, known for its antimicrobial properties, hygienically-treated fabric, and a shoe storage compartment that can even deodorize footwear.
Also notable is that when the vehicle isn’t in use, it undergoes an Ultraviolet-C (UVC) sterilization process and disinfects the surrounding air, water, and nonporous surfaces. It’s important that nobody is in the car during this cycle, as UVC radiation is harsh on the eyes and skin.
“The ‘SEVEN’ concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future. Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers,” says José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America
Image via Hyundai
[via TechCrunch, images via Hyundai]
Also check out these recent news
