EMBRACING KOREAN HEATING TECHNIQUE ‘ONDOL’ FOR A COZIER RIDE

SEOUL, April 24, 2024 — Vehicles are transcending their traditional role as transportation modes, evolving into versatile spaces for leisure and relaxation. 

Unveiled at Genesis House New York on March 25, the Genesis Neolun Concept exemplifies this trend with a range of cutting-edge technological features ensuring maximized comfort within the cabin, including B-pillarless coach doors and a radiant heating system inspired by Korea’s traditional “ondol.”

A look back at “Mobility Ondol,” a visualized concept revealed by the Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) in 2022, which incorporates this unique heating method and many other innovations, offers some hints about the Group’s vision for the near future. 

Ondol Heating System 
 

Ondol is a Korean heating method that utilizes direct heat transfer underneath the floor, often found in traditional and modern homes throughout the country. 

When Mobility Ondol was introduced two years ago, it was envisioned as a self-driving EV vehicle that harnesses waste heat generated from the battery. An “energy harvesting” system that utilizes any wasted or surplus energy in various forms such as heat, light, motion, wind, vibration and electromagnetism was mentioned to be under development to generate electricity and increase the overall heating efficiency of future vehicles. 

By applying radiative heating elements to the floorboards, ondol is expected to address at least two critical problems with conventional heating systems: dry air within the cabin and inadequate heating of passengers’ lower bodies. 

In Mobility Ondol, the wood-patterned carpet material was designed with a carbon fabric heating element woven with carbon fibers, made to enhance thermal conductivity and optimize heating efficiency. To prevent energy loss through heat transfer, an insulating material was layered beneath the carpet. 

In the latest revealed Genesis Neolun Concept, heating films are applied to the dashboard, door trims, seatbacks and console sides along with the floorboards. 

Side Steps and Foldable Tables 

To provide a more spacious interior, Mobility Ondol was shown as having a high clearance and long wheelbase, with extra space available between the large-capacity battery and seats, where passengers can house an auxiliary battery or cargo. 
Another idea introduced in Mobility Ondol was side steps, also incorporated in the Neolun Concept. Side steps make it easier for passengers to step in and out of the vehicle, and also store their shoes during travel. 

In Mobility Ondol, the front-row seats were conceptualized to face the back row, prompting increased face-to-face interactions among passengers. Similarly, the Neolun Concept showcased a similar idea with swiveling seats, offering front-row passengers the choice to rotate their seats backward. 

The seats in Mobility Ondol could be partially or fully reclined, providing a “rest” or “bed mode” for passengers to unwind or catch some sleep during the journey. They were conceived with a reimagined hinge and support structure that accommodates different seating postures, thus alleviating passenger fatigue. 

The blankets, stored within the seat compartments, were designed to be securely fastened to the floor, serving as seat belts enhancing both comfort and safety throughout the ride. 

The door trims in Mobility Ondol came with an integrated foldable table, allowing passengers to conveniently place their belongings on top or utilize it as a dining surface when needed. The door trim pocket was enlarged to provide ample storage space, like that offered by a conventional glove compartment. 

Neolun Concept, a Vision for the Future 

The recently unveiled Genesis Neolun Concept demonstrates many innovative techniques teased by Mobility Ondol. 

As to just how much the Neolun Concept will make it into production, Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke stressed during the March 25 unveiling event in New York that the vehicle wasn’t something the brand “made for fun.” 

“It’s our vision for the future flagship vehicle,” he said. “It will have a strong influence on the brand’s future.”