Hyundai Motor Group announced the application of an advanced material called 'Nano Cooling Film' to two police buses belonging to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Mobile Division, located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The film can lower the indoor temperature of vehicles simply by being attached to the windows.
The Nano Cooling Film not only reflects some solar heat like traditional tinting films but also emits infrared radiation from inside the vehicle. This advanced material was developed by Hyundai Motor Group as a world first.
The film consists of three layers: two layers that reflect near-infrared wavelengths of solar energy and one layer that emits mid-infrared wavelengths to the outside. It can be applied to vehicles in the same manner as conventional tinting films.
A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "We decided to apply the film considering that police officers use the buses as mobile offices and living spaces for extended periods. Given the nature of police buses, which cannot have dark tinting for operational compliance, they are particularly vulnerable to heat. We noted that officers have expressed difficulties in performing their duties during heat waves."
As a result, the Nano Cooling Film, with a transmittance rate of 90%, was installed on the side and rear windows of two Universe buses belonging to the 13th and 14th Mobile Divisions, and these buses were immediately deployed for police operations.
The application of this film is expected to enhance the work efficiency of police officers and contribute to energy savings by reducing excessive air conditioning use. Hyundai plans to monitor the cooling effects and quality over the next year before considering mass production.
Previously, Hyundai Motor Group applied the 90% transmittance Nano Cooling Film to Universe FCEV buses produced at its Jeonju plant and conducted comparative evaluations with vehicles that did not have tinting. While there were variations depending on weather and sunlight, the vehicles with the film maintained an average indoor temperature about 2 to 3 degrees lower than those without it. In the driver's seat, where sunlight exposure is more intense, the difference reached nearly 7 degrees.
This technology not only helps maintain passenger comfort but is also significant considering that it takes about 1.6 kWh of power to lower the bus's indoor temperature by 1 degree, indicating potential for energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Lee Min-jae, head researcher at Hyundai and Kia's Basic Materials Research Center, expressed satisfaction in developing a technology that could assist police officers struggling with heat. He added, "We will continue to increase real-world applications and monitor them to enhance the technology's effectiveness."
Meanwhile, Hyundai has launched the 'Made Cooler by Hyundai' campaign in Pakistan, where tinting is legally prohibited, providing transparent Nano Cooling Film to over 70 drivers for free, garnering a positive response from local drivers.
The campaign's originality was recognized, leading to Hyundai hosting an official seminar on technology at the 2024 Cannes Lions, the largest international advertising festival, making it the first automaker to do so. The campaign also won gold and silver at the 2024 London International Awards and three main awards at the 2025 One Show.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.