Electromobility Hyundai and Kia: Temperature control technologies optimize energy efficiency of electric vehicles

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Kia and Hyundai have unveiled three innovative temperature control technologies aimed at boosting comfort and energy efficiency in electric vehicles. The new advancements include a nano-cooling film, radiant heating, and metal-coated heatable glass—all of which are ready for mass production.

At Heat Tech Day, the nano cooling film demonstrated its ability to lower interior temperatures by over 12 degrees celsius (53.6 °F). Kia and Hyundai have since tested this film, first unveiled in July 2023, across different vehicle models. They applied the cooling film to the windows of one vehicle per model and left a second, identical vehicle untreated for comparison. In the untreated vehicles, interior temperatures climbed to as high as 48.5 degrees, whereas the vehicles with the cooling film only reached a maximum of 36.0 degrees—a difference of 12.5 degrees celsius (55.04°F).

The nano-cooling film not only blocks infrared radiation from the outside as conventional tinting films do, but also allows heat to escape from inside the vehicle. It consists of three layers: Two of them reflect solar energy, the third emits medium-wavelength infrared radiation. The film can be used together with existing tinting films without further impairing light transmission.

Rapid warming in cold weather

The new radiant heating system is designed to warm occupants within minutes. The "Radiant Heating System" uses a heating element that emits radiant heat to the occupants' legs, warming the lower body area within three minutes in cold weather. However, the system not only helps to reach the desired temperature more quickly in conjunction with the vehicle's regular heating system, it also saves up to 17 percent energy. The system therefore contributes to a longer range in winter.

The system consists of a film-like high-temperature heating element and a combustion protection system. The heating element can reach a temperature of 110 degrees celsius (230°F) and is encased in a fabric that emits infrared rays and regulates the heat to a comfortable level. The burn protection system detects physical contact and immediately lowers the temperature to prevent the risk of burns. The companies brought a Kia EV9 equipped with the radiant heating system to the Heat Tech Day. This has nine heating panels, which are located on the steering column, the driver's door and the center console, as well as on the passenger door and under the glove compartment floor. Hyundai and Kia are planning to integrate the system into future models.

Innovative glass with 48 V system

Last but not least, both companies presented a metal-coated heatable glass that eliminates ice and moisture and thus ensures better visibility. The innovative glass heater offers better visibility and greater safety compared to conventional heating elements with tungsten wire. It has a 48 V system that can completely de-ice the glass surface at -18 °C (-0.4F) within five minutes. According to the manufacturer, it completes this task up to four times faster than conventional air conditioning systems and consumes around ten percent less energy. In addition, the metal coating can passively block at least 60 percent of solar energy on hot days, which reduces the cooling requirement in the interior and also significantly improves energy efficiency. Kia and Hyundai have applied for patents for this; the technology is to be used in future vehicles. (se)

This article was first published on our sister website www.Next-Mobility.de (German language), Vogel Communications Group