Enhancing Cabin Air Quality: Challenges, Impact and Advanced Climate Control Solutions

Cabin air quality plays a crucial role in ensuring passenger comfort, health and driving experience. There have been growing concerns over poor cabin air quality resulting from multiple factors, including infiltration of external pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, emissions from vehicle interior materials, microbial contamination and inadequate ventilation. Therefore, maintaining optimal air quality inside vehicle cabin has become a critical aspect of vehicle climate control systems. Additionally, high humidity levels inside the cabin contribute to mold growth and fogging of windows, further compromising both air quality and visibility. This review explores such factors contributing to poor cabin air quality, where the severity of these issues ranges from mild discomfort and allergic reactions to long-term respiratory ailments. To mitigate these challenges, automotive manufacturers and researchers have implemented various air purification and filtration technologies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and activated carbon filters are widely used to capture fine particles, allergens and gaseous pollutants. Advanced filtration solutions such as ionization, photocatalytic oxidation, UV-based purification and plasma air cleaning technologies have also been developed to neutralize airborne contaminants. The development of smart climate control systems integrated with real-time air quality monitoring system help in regulating ventilation and filter efficiency, based on external and internal conditions. Moreover, material innovations, such as low-emission interior components, contribute to enhancing cabin air quality. This comprehensive review for cabin air quality will not only improve passenger well-being but also enhance overall vehicle comfort, making it a key consideration in future vehicle design.