Jaguar’s new air filter kills Covid-19

For the answer to that look to Jaguar Land Rover which has developed a kind of hi-tech mask for your car: an air filtration system that tests have shown to inhibit viruses and airborne bacteria by as much as 97 per cent – and stop one bug in particular (yes, that one) by 99.995 per cent.

News of the development, announced today and still at the prototype stage but claimed to be world-leading, shows that the coronavirus-free car may be just around the corner. JLR says its future models will feature the new system. Who knows, switching the air-con to “recirc” mode in future could literally be a life saver…

In simple terms it’s a very clever active air purifier for a car’s heating and ventilation system. It uses nano technology to inhibit harmful bacteria and viruses while also deodorising the cabin and cleaning the air inside the car.

And if you want the science behind it? A high voltage current creates trillions of Hydroxyl (OH) Radicals – highly reactive oxygen and hydrogen atoms that occur naturally in the atmosphere. They are enveloped in nano-sized water molecules that denature (alter) the virus and bacteria proteins, helping inhibit their growth but posing no threat to people.

At the heart of JLR’s system is the latest Nanoe X technology from Panasonic. JLR cars already use Panasonic Nanoe tech in its air filtration systems fitted to cars like the I-Pace, Discovery and Range Rover Evoque, but the X-rated version is said to be 10 times more effective.

JLR took its trick new heating and ventilation system to microbiology and virology lab Perfectus Biomed for independent testing. The lab came back with results that showed viruses and bacteria were inhibited by as much as 97 per cent.

And what about keeping the bug to end all bugs, SARS-CoV-2, out in the cold? Viral test specialists Texcell reported a 99.995 per cent success rate.

“This technology is a great example of being able to harness the power of nature and puts Jaguar Land Rover right at the forefront of this cabin technology,” said JLR research engineer Alexander Owen.

There is no word yet when the system will be available in new cars. But it’s coming, so get ready to ask about a car’s Hydroxyl Radicals – along with its 0-62mph time…