현대모비스의 PBV용 에어백 2종. 도어 장착형 커튼 에어백과 자립형 에어백이다. /현대모비스

Hyundai Mobis has revolutionized vehicle safety by developing the world’s first airbags specifically designed for Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs), enhancing protection for the increasingly popular multi-use electric vehicles.

As global automakers like Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, GM (General Motors), and Ford develop versatile electric PBVs for both general consumers and logistics or delivery purposes, Hyundai Mobis is entering the related market.

The airbags unveiled by Hyundai Mobis include two types: the ‘door-mounted curtain airbag’ and the ‘self-supporting passenger airbag.’ These airbags have been developed to suit the characteristics of PBVs, which have more spacious interiors and allow users to freely modify the internal structure.

The door-mounted curtain airbag is designed to rise from the bottom of the car door to cover the window, unlike most curtain airbags that descend from the ceiling.

Many PBVs are in the form of vans and use sliding doors that open horizontally. Hyundai Mobis explained that installing the airbag at the bottom of the door is more space-efficient since the door opening mechanism is mainly installed in the ceiling.

This airbag takes 0.03 seconds to fully deploy and meets the safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The door-mounted curtain airbag. /Hyundai Mobis

The self-supporting airbag is designed for the front-row structure of PBVs. In conventional passenger cars, the front windshield is inclined about 30 degrees toward the passengers, providing support for the deployed airbag during an accident.

However, in PBVs, the front windshield is often designed to be nearly vertical to maximize interior space, and it is farther from the passengers, reducing this supporting effect. To address this, the bottom of the airbag is more firmly fixed, enabling it to absorb impact even without the windshield’s support.

Lee Kyu-Sang, head of Hyundai Mobis’ Safety System R&D Group, stated, “We developed the new concept curtain airbag with the urban transportation-focused PBV market in mind. Given that RoboRide PBVs emphasize openness with larger side windows, we anticipate a growing need for advanced passenger safety devices.”