[CES 2026] Experiencing Hyundai Wia's 'Ondol-Heated Car'... Enhanced Cabin Space and Energy Efficiency

World's First Application of "Deca Valve ITMS"
30% Fewer Components, 15% More Space Efficiency
Aiming to Become a Global Thermal Management Specialist by 2032

An experiential vehicle equipped with the "Future Air Conditioning System" exhibited by Hyundai Wia at CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition. Hyundai Wia

"Wow, it really feels as warm as an ondol floor!"

On the second day of CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, held on the 7th (local time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall, Hyundai Wia unveiled its new-concept thermal management system experience vehicle at its booth. Upon boarding the vehicle, a monitor descended and immediately displayed the participant's temperature, measured by a thermal imaging camera. The reporter's temperature was shown as 108.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while the person next to them was displayed as 94.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Soon after, a gentle warmth radiated from the floor and the area around the calves. Compared to other seats, the adjacent seat felt noticeably warmer.

Personalized Temperature Control... Implementation of Floor Heating

On the second day of the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, held on the 7th (local time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall in the United States, visitors who board the thermal management system experience vehicle at the Hyundai Wia booth can see their temperature displayed on a monitor through a thermal imaging camera, with air conditioning or heating activated accordingly. The reporter's temperature is shown as 108.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while the person next to them is displayed as 94.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Photo by Yeongju Jeon

The ambitious technology unveiled by Hyundai Wia, participating in CES for the first time, is the future-oriented "Distributed HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning)" system. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and various sensors, it provides air at a customized temperature for each passenger. The system takes into account each passenger’s body temperature, sensitivity to heat or cold, current temperature and humidity, as well as individual preferences learned through AI.

Anticipating a future where drivers disappear and vehicle interiors become more versatile, Hyundai Wia also repositioned the air outlets. A "roof air conditioner," similar to a system air conditioner, was installed on the upper part of the vehicle. The airflow is adjusted according to the passenger’s posture and movement, and an "indirect airflow" feature is available for those who do not want cold air to touch their skin directly.

Conversely, "radiant warmers" that emit infrared rays were installed in the seat’s calf area and on the floor. This brings the traditional Korean ondol floor heating concept to vehicles, offering warmth without the dry air of a conventional heater. It is similar to the "infrared knee warmer" option available in the Hyundai Venue.

Lee Sangmin, a senior researcher at Hyundai Wia, explained, "The so-called 'heated seat' function operates only through contact, but the distributed HVAC allows you to feel warmth even without direct contact," adding, "We have advanced the technology so that it takes less than 10 seconds to feel the warmth after activation."

Regarding concerns about fire hazards due to floor heating in electric vehicles, Namyoung Kim, Executive Vice President of the TMS Division at Hyundai Wia, stated, "A safety feature is in place to prevent the temperature from exceeding a certain level."

Three Types of Thermal Management Components for Space and Energy Efficiency

Integrated Thermal Module System (ITMS)

At CES 2026, Hyundai Wia is also exhibiting three types of thermal management system components designed to increase interior space and improve energy efficiency. The "Integrated Thermal Module System (ITMS)," which plays a key role in electric vehicle thermal management, consolidates dispersed thermal management parts and functions into a single product.

Notably, Hyundai Wia has applied the "Deca Valve" technology, featuring 10 ports, for the first time in the world, significantly enhancing thermal management efficiency. The Deca Valve enables flexible thermal management across seven operating modes, including battery and drive motor cooling, as well as interior air conditioning and heating. Compared to previous models without the Deca Valve, the number of components has been reduced by 30%, and space utilization has improved by 15%.

Cooling Module

The company also unveiled a "cooling module" that integrates two radiators into one. Its thickness is reduced by 20% and its weight by 7% compared to current modules. It can simultaneously cool the battery and the power electric (PE) system. In addition, the module's 70-degree tilted design maximizes airflow and secures additional space, increasing the practicality of the front trunk.

Slim HVAC (Slim Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit)

The "Slim HVAC," which is over 30% lower in height than existing models, was also introduced. By significantly reducing its size, space utilization is maximized and weight reduction further improves energy efficiency. The system also features improved airflow and reduced noise, providing a quieter cabin environment. A three-zone individual climate control system allows each passenger to experience air at different temperatures.

Becoming a Global Thermal Management Specialist by 2032

Namyoung Kim, Executive Vice President of TMS Division at Hyundai Wia, is taking a commemorative photo at CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, held on the 7th (local time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the United States. Hyundai Wia

Hyundai Wia plans to expand its position as a global air conditioning specialist based on the thermal management components unveiled at CES 2026. The company aims to develop integrated thermal management systems that are eco-friendly, high-performance and high-efficiency, and offer comfort and convenience.

Investments targeting the thermal management market are also being expanded. In the second half of last year, Hyundai Wia established air conditioning component manufacturing facilities on a 12,131-square-meter site at Plant 1 in Changwon, and secured coolant and refrigerant module production facilities at another plant measuring 10,267 square meters. Research into thermal management systems is also being significantly strengthened. Compared to 2021, when thermal management research began in earnest, the number of new patent applications filed by Hyundai Wia last year increased by about six times.

Namyoung Kim told reporters, "We plan to expand our thermal management systems overseas, including to the United States, and to apply them to industries such as construction and data centers from a thermal energy perspective, breaking down barriers between industries. We will continue to reduce the size and weight of components to maximize space utilization and improve energy efficiency."