Volvo’s interiors have the cleanest interior air, at least according to the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
Volvo announced the world-first premium air-quality technology to clean the cabin from outside pollutants, letting occupants breathe fresh and healthy air and ensure a safe journey.
Given the recent increase in air pollution and, of course, given the current state of fear regarding viruses and contaminants, car manufacturers had to look into it at one point and seem to be slowly implementing improved cabin air-purifying solutions. Volvo is one of them and announced its innovative Air-Quality Technology system installed on seven models — namely the S80, V70, XC70, XC60, S60, V60, and V40.
Anders Löfvendahl, Senior Technical Expert on Cabin Air Quality at Volvo Cars, said, “With our Advanced Air Cleaner technology, you can rest assured that the air you breathe inside your Volvo is cleaner and healthier. We believe that clean air is good for you, both from a health and from a safety perspective, and we will continue to push the envelope in this area.”
The technology comes with a sensor to measure the PM 2.5 levels inside the cabin, which is not available in any other car yet. Moreover, in countries like China, drivers can actually measure and compare the quality of air inside and outside.
Volvo developed two systems: Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) and Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP). Both work in unison to observe how the air gets polluted and how to keep the air fresh.
Interior Air Quality System IAQS
This system automatically closes the air vents when the level of harmful substances gets high than a certain threshold. Moreover, it removes particulates using a multi-filter with active charcoal to remove odors. Hence, it not only makes the air cleaner but also fresher.
Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP)
Recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association, the CZIP system replaces the atmosphere inside the cabin in only one minute, as soon as the driver unlocks the vehicle.
But how do interior materials affect air quality, you ask? Well, they produce Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and aldehydes when sunshine hits them. In a high enough level, these substances can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, or even trigger asthma. The CZIP system takes care precisely of cleaning those substances from the interior.
Moreover, Volvo utilized a special eight-member team for smell tests inside the cabin. They did that to make sure that the odor inside the cabin is acceptable for occupants.
Volvo asked them to rate odors on a scale of “1” to “6” where “1” was indicated as “not noticeable” and “6” as “unbearable.” They had to make sure it doesn’t cross “3”. Otherwise, they would’ve changes the cabin materials.
The interest in owning a clean in-cabin environment has been growing among countries like China, Japan, the US, Korea, and Europe. Let’s hope that Volvo’s recent development will make other automakers follow suit.
