This photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group shows the carmaker’s Mobility Ondol concept.
SEOUL, May 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor Group on Sunday unveiled a mobility concept using “ondol,” Korea’s traditional underfloor heating system, as a motive.
The Mobility Ondol concept uses batteries as a heat source and is based on the principle of improving heating efficiency by using the battery heat generated by the operation of an electric car.
Hyundai is studying a new heating system based on the concept of energy harvesting, which refers to the technology of generating electricity by using and collecting waste or surplus energy.
The layout of Mobility Ondol is based on the premise of a full self-driving system, with the car therefore having no driver’s seat. The internal space is arranged to enable passengers to enjoy full rest when the vehicle is on the move.
Since it uses electricity as a power, the floor is mounted with a large-capacity battery, with auxiliary battery or cargo loading space located between the seats and the main battery.
Hyundai has designed the seat to accommodate a range of comfortable postures inside the vehicle.
Passengers can put the seats into recliner mode or even fold them down completely to make a bed. Blankets and pillows can be stored in a space between seat back and seat cushion.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
