Hyundai & Kia Unveil World’s 1st In-Vehicle “Plasma Care UVC” Sanitization Technology

cleantechnica.com Jun 24, 2026

Hyundai & Kia Unveil World’s 1st In-Vehicle “Plasma Care UVC” Sanitization Technology

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 24, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have unveiled the world's first in-vehicle sanitization technology, "Plasma Care UVC," which uses a plasma lamp to sanitize the vehicle cabin environment and reduce odors. The technology utilizes far-ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) light, which is safe for human skin and eyes, to effectively target and destroy bacteria and viruses. Hyundai and Kia have successfully adapted Far-UVC technology for use in vehicle cabin environments, addressing key challenges to ensure safety and efficacy.

💡 Why It Matters

· The widespread adoption of Plasma Care UVC could revolutionize the concept of mobility hygiene, providing a safer and more pleasant experience for passengers in various transportation scenarios, including autonomous driving and purpose-built vehicles.

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GM just ‘unlocked’ over 200 Android Automotive apps, including YouTube, for its…

General Motors (GM) has announced that its Google built-in vehicles will support over 200 new Android Automotive apps, including popular streaming services like YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu. This update is part of a software rollout that will allow passengers to access a wide range of content on their own screens, including movies, shows, songs, podcasts, and live radio and TV channels. The new apps will be available on the center display and passenger screens in GM SUVs, starting with model year 2025 and newer vehicles.

💡 The addition of streaming services to GM vehicles with Google built-in marks a significant shift in the automotive industry, where entertainment is becoming a key differentiator. As consumers increasingly expect seamless connectivity and personalized experiences, GM's move to integrate popular streaming services directly into its vehicles may set a new standard for the industry.

techcrunch.com · Jun 24

Zoox upgrades its robotaxi as it prepares for commercial service

Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, has upgraded its custom-built robotaxi with design and product tweaks ahead of a potential commercial launch later this year. The upgrades, based on rider feedback, include a lighter color palette, added padding, and ergonomic curves to improve comfort and reduce distractions. The robotaxi still lacks a steering wheel and other controls, but features 40 cameras, radars, lidars, and infrared sensors to perceive the environment. Zoox is preparing for volume production, aiming to build 10,000 robotaxis per year, and is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a commercial exemption.

💡 The success of Zoox's robotaxi could set a precedent for the future of autonomous transportation, with the company's design and product tweaks potentially influencing the development of similar vehicles.

teslarati.com · Jun 24

Tesla Cybertruck is officially the safest pickup, IIHS says

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the 2025-2026 Tesla Cybertruck crew cab pickup its highest honor, Top Safety Pick+. This distinction makes the Cybertruck the only full-size pickup to achieve this in recent evaluations. The award applies to vehicles built after April 2025, following structural upgrades. The Cybertruck earned "Good" ratings in various crash tests and secured acceptable or good headlights and a "Good" rating for its standard front crash prevention system. It outperformed competitors, positioning itself as a standout in occupant protection and crash avoidance. The Cybertruck's safety features and design contributed to its strong performance.

💡 Tesla's engineering philosophy and combination of high-strength materials, structural innovation, and software-driven safety systems have set a new benchmark for full-size pickups. The Cybertruck's exceptional safety record highlights the effectiveness of its unique design and technology in preventing crashes and protecting occupants.

news9live.com · Jun 24

Skoda has revealed its flagship Peaq EV; will have range of up…

Skoda has unveiled its flagship electric vehicle, the Peaq EV, with a range of up to 647 km and two battery options. The Peaq EV features a 63kWh battery pack and a 91kWh battery pack, and also debuts a digital key for vehicle access through a smartphone or smartwatch. The Peaq is positioned to compete with full-size electric SUVs and sits at the top of Skoda's pure-electric portfolio. Skoda is evaluating the Peaq for the Indian market, where it may serve as the brand's halo electric offering. The Peaq adopts Skoda's new Modern Solid design philosophy, featuring a gloss-black 'Tech Deck' panel and T-shaped Matrix LED headlamps.

💡 Skoda's Peaq EV challenges established players in the full-size electric SUV segment, threatening to disrupt the market with its impressive range and features. Its introduction also underscores Skoda's commitment to electrification and expanding its presence in key markets.

teslarati.com · Jun 24

Tesla tops American-Made Index for sixth-consecutive year

Tesla has topped the American-Made Index from Cars.com for the sixth consecutive year, with the Model 3 and Model Y taking the top two spots. The company's strong domestic strategy, which involves vertical integration and reliance on domestic suppliers, has enabled it to maintain a high ranking in the Index. The Index evaluates vehicles based on five main categories, including location of final assembly, U.S. and Canadian parts, engine and transmission origins, and U.S. manufacturing workforce. Tesla's Model 3 edged out the Model Y in this year's ranking.

💡 Tesla's domestic strategy not only secures its reputation for producing American-made vehicles but also insulates it from tariffs and supply chain disruptions, giving it a competitive edge in the market.

cleantechnica.com · Jun 24

A Giant Shipping Firm Dips A Tiny Toe Into Wind Power

The global shipping firm DHL has taken a step towards decarbonization by partnering with the French startup VELA Transportation. The partnership will see DHL reserve space on VELA's forthcoming fleet of sailing ships, which will be powered by wind energy. VELA's ships are designed to be lightweight and can navigate through smaller ports, reducing travel time and congestion. The partnership aims to provide a lower-emission transatlantic service option, with VELA's first vessel expected to launch into commercial operation early next year.

💡 DHL's support for VELA could stimulate more widespread acceptance of wind power among other shippers, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, where companies like Takeda Pharmaceuticals are already exploring this option to meet their net zero commitments.