Volvo Introduces Advanced Clean-Air Technology

Volvo has debuted the worlds-first premium air quality technology and filtration system in their cars, allowing drivers to breathe clean air.

As the skies above California clog with smoke, it begs the question: are our lungs protected? Between the fires and COVID-19, we’ve been mindful of the air we breathe now more than ever. The masks we wear are on double duty. Our respiratory systems feel targeted, and we must remain vigilant to protect them.

For many, a car is a safe space, enclosed from the outside world. A place where we can remove our masks without a second thought. There’s a filtration system on all cars – consisting of a standard cabin air filter, which cleans the air for us to breathe while inside the car. Or does it?

Volvo has a solution.

The company’s new Advanced Air Cleaner technology comes with a sensor that measures PM 2.5 levels (a widely used measurement for air quality) inside the cabin. This feature is exclusive to Volvo vehicles, and is controlled via the Volvo On Call app.

PM 2.5 measures the amount of fine particulate matter in the air. Globally, many urban areas suffer from PM 2.5 values that exceed recommended levels set by the World Health Organization. Check the Los Angeles live PM 2.5 levels here. Remember, anything between 0-50 μg/m³ is what we want to see.

The Advanced Air Cleaner technology is available on Volvo models including the V90, V90 Cross Country, XC90, and all 60 Series models. The Advanced Air Cleaner filters out fine particulate matters from the cabin. The cleaner utilizes a synthetic fiber-based filter and ionization system. Up to 95% of all PM 2.5 particles are kept out of the cabin.

Volvo says this optimizes air quality inside the car, increasing driver concentration thanks to the influx of healthy, clean air. Drivers can use the Volvo On Call smartphone app to easily schedule an extra cleaning of the cabin air. The app then tells drivers the actual PM 2.5 levels inside the cabin after cleaning.

“With our Advanced Air Cleaner technology, you can rest assured that the air you breathe inside your Volvo is cleaner and healthier,” said Anders Löfvendahl, senior technical expert on cabin air quality at Volvo Cars. “We believe that clean air is good for you, both from a health and from a safety perspective, and will continue to push the envelope in this area.”