"Parked Under the Scorching Sun but Comfortable Inside"…Hyundai Motor and Kia Unveil 'New Technology'

Car Window Frost Removed in 5 Minutes
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Develop World's First Technology

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia have developed a world-first technology that removes frost on car windows within 5 minutes during winter. This method involves coating and inserting 20 metal components between the vehicle's front laminated glass to generate heat, characterized by increasing voltage while reducing power consumption. Hyundai and Kia also introduced a nano cooling film that releases internal heat outside and a radiant heating system that reduces energy consumption by more than 10%.

On the 22nd, Hyundai and Kia held a media-invited Heat Tech Day at Crest72 in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, unveiling these three technologies. The heating glass presented by Hyundai and Kia generates heat faster by applying higher voltage than existing products. A test to remove frost completely covering the front glass at minus 18 degrees Celsius took about 5 minutes.

Demonstration of metal-coated heating glass
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

General products with a 13.5V power system took about 15 minutes. This is because a 48V system applying higher voltage was used. Compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicle air conditioning systems, power consumption is reduced by about 10%.

Additionally, on hot days, the metal coating blocks at least 60% of external solar energy without using power. Since visible heating wires are not included, a clear view is ensured. In the mid to long term, improving performance could make it possible to eliminate air vents on the front glass. Patents have been filed in major domestic and international markets, and the technology will be applied to new vehicles in the future.

Comparison of Existing Technology and Metal Coating Heating Glass Technology Performance
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

Hyundai and Kia demonstrated the nano cooling film, which was unveiled last year, by attaching it to an actual vehicle. Simply attaching it to the vehicle glass can lower the interior temperature by up to 10 degrees Celsius. While existing tint films only block external heat, this film not only blocks heat but also releases internal heat outside.

The radiant heating system works like ondol (traditional Korean floor heating), placing heating elements directly around passengers. When used together with existing air conditioning systems, it can reduce energy consumption by 17% until reaching the appropriate temperature. Heating elements placed under the steering wheel near the knees, the center console, and the door can warm passengers’ lower bodies in about 3 minutes.

A Hyundai Motor Company employee in Pakistan is applying a nano coating film. [Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

Reducing energy consumption also helps extend driving range during winter. The film-type heating element, which generates heat up to 110 degrees Celsius, produces heat inside each module, and the surrounding fabric material regulates the heat while emitting far-infrared rays. A burn prevention system is combined that detects immediate contact with the body and lowers the temperature to reduce burn risks. The company plans to apply this technology to upcoming new vehicles.

Jung Young-ho, Executive Director of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia’s Thermal Energy Integrated Development Office, said, "The technology unveiled today is the closest technology to customers compared to any other technology," adding, "We are developing technology with the goal of providing the most comfortable environment."

Hyundai Motor researchers are discussing the center console equipped with the radiant heat heating system technology.
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]