What if, wherever you went, you could take your very own private bubble of fresh air with you? It wouldn’t matter if you were in the big, smoky city or driving down a dusty highway, you and your passengers would only breathe clean, in-car, air – regardless of the conditions outside. This was the thinking behind Volvo Cars’ CleanZone concept: a unique approach that dates back to tests we conducted in the 1990s, which use innovative solutions to improve in-car air quality and create an altogether healthier driving environment.

Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)

The Volvo XC90 set a new standard in the quality of air we can expect to breathe in our cars. The reason for this dramatic improvement in interior air quality was the introduction of a larger, more efficient multi-filter. Thanks to its size, the new multi-filter can intercept more particles and pollen than ever before. It also features a layer of active charcoal, which is designed to effectively remove a wide variety of contaminants that can cause harm to a driver’s health.

Air that’s cleaner inside than out

IAQS also includes a sensor that monitors incoming air for noxious substances. If the level of harmful substances detected is deemed too high – such as the instance of driving through a tunnel – the car’s air intake closes automatically. By working together, the new multi-filter and sensor are able to keep a host of harmful and irritating pollutants out of the cabin.

Air quality display

The Volvo S90, V90 and XC90 feature a display that informs you if the quality of cabin air deteriorates. An icon on the 9-inch centre display touchscreen changes from blue – which means that conditions are fine – to white if, for instance, you open a window and unfiltered air gets into the cabin or you turn off the air quality sensor. However, air continues to be passed through the multi-filter.

Materials

The CleanZone concept extends to the substances and materials used in a Volvo’s interior to help create a healthier environment for a large percent of allergy and hypersensitivity sufferers. Since metals, plastics and fabrics may give off harmful chemical emissions, we have established a rigorous testing programme to ensure that every aspect of the interior is as safe and healthy as possible. Metallic components, such as handles, buttons, keys and safety belt latches are tested for nickel leakage, while textiles are chosen and tested to make sure they contain no harmful substances.

Remote (air) control

Remote cabin ventilation enables drivers to activate the car’s ventilation system in advance using their key as a remote control. Once activated, the ventilation system automatically vents out the existing interior air. So when you open the door, the air that greets you is free from odours and emissions.

View the rest of our our March I Roll Stories.