[Courtesy of Hyundai Motor]
SEOUL -- A new sport utility electric vehicle concept revealed by South Korea's Hyundai auto group at an auto show in Los Angeles drew attention with its space innovation and sanitary features such as a hygiene airflow system and sterilization using ultraviolet C, a subtype of ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation is a known disinfectant for air, water and surfaces that can help mitigate the risk of acquiring an infection. The wavelength of UV-C ranges from 200 nm to 280 nm which is harmless to the human body and has a high sterilization effect.
The concept called "SEVEN" uses various eco-friendly materials while offering hygienic features, such as a hygiene airflow system and UVC sterilization, the auto group said in a statement. “SEVEN dares to break from the beaten path," said Hyundai's global design head Lee Sang-yup. "The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space.”
Bio-paint was applied to SEVEN’s exterior and hygienically-recycled and renewable materials throughout the interior, while the extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside remain clean.
In a vertical mode, air is taken in through built-in air intakes in the roof rails from which the air travels from above to below, and extracted through the exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In its horizontal mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to the rear vents. Hyundai said the system can activate independently whether the vehicle is in motion or not to reduce cross-contamination among passengers and isolates the airflow between front and rear occupants.
SEVEN's control stick, first-row storage drawer and speakers pop up so that integrated sanitizing UVC lights help clean the living space of bacteria and viruses. There are sanitizing storage compartments in the bench and console for personal belongings.
With wheels capable of deploying or retracting depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements, SEVEN’s wheelbase reaches 3.2 meters, thanks to its design cue to push the wheels outward to extend the wheelbase as much as possible, the auto group said, adding that the streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.
SEVEN offers flexible space and various appliances that can be personalized for individual passengers. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use, and the ultra-slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience. With swiveling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat, seat arrangements can be customized depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.
The concept is capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. It is engineered to achieve a target range of over 483 kilometers (300 miles).
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