One of the areas that car manufacturers think about a lot is how to make the journey not only more comfortable for everyone sitting in the cabin, but also healthier. What technologies take care of the well-being of the driver and passengers, and why are they needed at all?
We can drive more safely
The first air conditioners were installed in cars in the 1950s, but they experienced a wave of popularity in the 1970s. Such luxury was enjoyed by motorists in the United States in the so-called golden age of large, richly equipped highway trucks.
But soon, research by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that air conditioners improve not only comfort, but also traffic safety. It was found that hot and humid weather makes drivers tired – impairs concentration, slows down reactions and also causes drowsiness. On the other hand, the air conditioner cools the cabin, preventing the person from overheating, and it allows the driver to react more adequately in different traffic situations.
With the development of technologies, automatic climate control of one, two, even three and four zones has been introduced, which allows each passenger to adjust the air temperature for himself.
Over time, the seats have also been improved. Instead of the wide, bench-like base used in the past, there were seats that adapted to the human body, providing stable lateral support and not straining the back. This is very important because it is very difficult to concentrate on driving if you feel uncomfortable all the time.
For example, in Germany there has been an association known as the Association for Healthy Backs (Aktion Gesunder Rücken or AGR) since the 1990s. Assembling a team of independent doctors, the association carries out the certification of car seats. That is why the AGR emblem can be seen on the seats of high-end German cars.
We are taken care of seamlessly
However, companies continue to actively work in this direction, so that a person in the car salon feels even better. Mercedes-Benz has developed an air filtration system that meets hospital operating room standards. It is stated that this technology is able to clean all solid particles, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and other unpleasant odors that enter the car interior from the air. German engineers achieved such results in a relatively simple way – by installing a HEPA filter. Since an electric drive takes up much less space under the hood than an internal combustion engine, finding a place for such a filter is relatively easy.
Caring for drivers is no stranger to mid-range brands either. Hyundai now installs smart air conditioning in its cars, where the condensate is handled by an evaporator. This prevents the formation of mold, which usually causes an unpleasant smell.
The particle indicator measures the air quality in the car in real time. As soon as there are too many, the system itself starts to ventilate the cabin, reducing humidity. If the air quality does not improve, the car informs the driver that it is time to replace the cabin and air conditioner filters and clean the seats and carpets.
“There are people who have a phobia of germs. They are very sensitive to dirt, so they always wear a mask. There are certainly quite a few people in the world for whom air filtration and other similar technologies are important when choosing a car. Manufacturers respond to these demands and introduce the relevant in the latest models of the system. Of course, a large number of drivers will not have such worries – they will continue to eat hotdogs in the car and will not worry about anything. On the other hand, for a certain group of people, such air cleanliness solutions will make them feel significantly better,” says photographer Toms Svilans, who professionally captured and tested a series of new a car.
A car that knows how to sterilize
As the market demands cleaner and safer cars, manufacturers are constantly innovating. One of the innovations is the UV-C category sterilization system installed in the Hyundai Santa Fe. The visible part of the system is similar to a tray and is located above the main glove compartment on the passenger side. As soon as an object is placed there, it is irradiated with category C ultraviolet rays, thus destroying various bacteria and even viruses on these objects – no chemicals dangerous to humans remain on the surface. This is a very effective technique, which is why ultraviolet disinfection has also been used in medicine for some time.
Of course, UV-C rays are harmful to human eyes and skin, so Hyundai installs this technology in a special closed compartment and thus only irradiates objects. You can put your wallet, keys and smartphones there. Research shows that these things we are so used to can accumulate up to 10 times more bacteria than public toilets. Humans are constantly exposed to bacteria, and our fingers accumulate them. Even if you wash your hands often, you still touch your smart devices between washes, and the accumulated bacteria ends up on the screen and the back of the phone, which people rarely disinfect.
“Today’s cars are so developed that mechanical progress is no longer so rapid. Apart from the long-term evolution of electric car batteries, other significant innovations in this industry are rare. Instead, cars are becoming more comfortable, easier to drive and richer in various extras, respectively – companies are placing victory on technological progress . They’re developing displays, software and other technologies that improve safety and convenience. And buyers appreciate that, especially the younger generation,” says Tom.
2024-02-25 04:23:18
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