Automakers in China are incorporating products and technologies into their vehicles aimed at keeping cars virus-free amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Shanghai Daily reports. Air-filter systems, antibacterial fabrics and ultraviolet technology are being adopted in a bid to safeguard the health of drivers and passengers and provide them with a clean interior environment. Geely, China’s largest privately-owned carmaker, has announced an investment of CNY370 million in research and development (R&D) of a vehicle with virus protection.

Geely officials said the automaker will use a new type of filter material that can achieve a filtration efficiency of more than 95% for particles with a diameter of 0.3μm. Its filtration efficiency for droplets larger than 0.74μm – which may contain the SARS-CoV-19 virus – can reach 98% efficiency, according to the company. The material can also remove allergenic substances such as smoke, dust and pollen. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp has launched two products that can be installed inside a car, applying deep ultraviolet (DUV) technology to protect people from viruses. One of the products, developed by SAIC’s Sanden Huayu Automotive Air-Conditioning, uses a DUV device inside the air-conditioning system to filter and block viruses and bacteria from reaching drivers and passengers. It purifies and sterilizes the air in an enclosed car in minutes, the Shanghai Daily reports.