Volvo Cars simulates sunshine to ensure low emissions in its cars

All new models are tested under conditions similar to those in which they would if they were parked under the Mediterranean sun, this allows you to measure emissions of the passenger compartment at 65 ° C, a temperature at which the materials normally the car emissions issue emissions.

However Volvo has reduced these emissions to a minimum inside the cars using non-allergenic fabrics and carefully selected materials.

As there is no generally accepted standards of air quality inside the cars, Volvo Cars has established its own requirements on and use them during the development of its new models.

To meet these specifications, all tissues used in the cars are certified by Oeko-Tex, and other materials, components and systems, the car must pass rigorous tests both at the suppliers, both in the laboratory for materials Volvo Cars. “The materials of the interior fittings are approved for use in the cockpit of our cars until it has passed our rigorous tests,” says Patrik Libander, responsible for testing materials for the interiors at Volvo Cars.

The standard Volvo sets a strict limit on the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC, Total Volatile Organic Compounds), since the presence of elevated levels of these substances in the air makes the car smell, cause headaches, nausea and dizziness, and can trigger asthma attacks. They are also subject to strict limits aldehydes, especially formaldehyde, as they may cause contact allergy and respiratory diseases.

Given that the materials used in the cockpit release these substances at high temperature, materials experts at Volvo Cars using the simulator insolation available at the Swedish Institute for Testing and Research (Swedish Testing and Research Institute) to verify that the emissions of the passenger compartment of new car models are actually low. The car is parked under the hot sun lamps until the internal temperature reaches 65 ° C, as happens at the end of a day of rest in the sun in a parking lot.

Emissions of volatile organic compounds (TVOC, Total Volatile Organic Compounds) and aldehydes are measured by analyzing air samples taken from the cockpit, allowing the verification of compliance with the respective levels. The members of the ‘team of the noses’ of Volvo Cars is also accommodating inside the car, warmed by the sun, and assess the odor on a scale established.

Volvo carried out simulation tests insolation since 2000.

“The results of simulation tests insolation are an important element of the reports provided to the Association the Swedish Asthma and Allergies in order to obtain the approval and recommendation for air inside of the Volvo . The Association recommends a total of four Volvo models, namely the S80, the V70, the XC70 and XC60 recently, “said Patrik Libander.