EV air filters to block COVID viruses

Jaguar Land Rover is following Tesla, Honda and Mercedes-Benz in developing air filtration systems able to inhibit viruses, bacteria, allergens and other airborne particles.

A prototype air filtration system has been proven to inhibit viruses and bacteria by as much as 97%, the technology for future JLR vehicles (including Jaguar electrics) also tested against novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 which causes the COVID-19 disease), JLR says.

Tesla uses a HEPA-rated air filter which can include its “Bioweapon Defence Mode” – so called because it’s reported to be powerful enough to protect against bioweapon attacks – that mode picked by some media to be included in the Tesla Model Y.

Honda has a new cabin air filter available in Europe said to trap and inactivate a wide range of germs, allergens and various other particles – including the coronavirus.

JLR says it commissioned independent research to assess the performance of its prototype air filter in lab conditions, and that it can create a cleaner cabin air environment for customers.

The prototype heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses Panasonic’s nanoe X technology to inhibit harmful bacteria and viruses.

The nanoe X technology uses a high voltage to create trillions of hydroxyl (OH) radicals enveloped in nano-sized water molecules, these radicals denature the virus and bacteria proteins, helping inhibit their growth. The OH radicals deodorise and inhibit allergens in a similar way.

The research comes as JLR defines its future strategy which includes its Jaguar brand going all-electric by 2025 and JLR also launching electric models of its entire Jaguar and Land Rover line-up by 2030.

Models across the Jaguar range, including the new all-electric Jaguar I-Pace performance SUV, and Land Rover line-up currently offer nanoe technology and PM2.5 filtration.

An innovative pre-conditioning feature is also available so customers can enable the system before getting into the vehicle.