Hyundai Motor Group said Wednesday that future Hyundai and Kia models will be equipped with solar panels capable of generating electricity as a way to increase fuel-efficiency and range and lower CO2 emissions. Hyundai says the solar panels will feature in the rooftops or hoods of select vehicles "after 2019" and will supplement traditional internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles . The parent group said it's developing three different types of solar roof charging systems comprised of a solar panel, controller and battery. The first generation will be a silicon solar panel system mounted to the rooftops of hybrid models and capable of charging 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on weather conditions and other factors, starting as early as 2020. The second generation involves a semi-transparent solar roof system applied to a panoramic sunroof and capable of charging an elec...
When it comes to your car’s exhaust system, the catalytic converter (often called the "catalyst") plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions. However, when it fails, it can lead to performance issues and even legal problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore **how a catalytic converter works** and **what happens when it goes bad**. What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? The catalytic converter is an essential part of your car’s exhaust system. Its main job is to **convert harmful pollutants into less harmful gases** before they exit the tailpipe. Here’s how it works: 1. Reduces Harmful Emissions The catalyst contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium,which facilitate chemical reactions that break down pollutants: - Carbon monoxide (CO)→ Converted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) - Hydrocarbons (HC)→ Converted into water (H₂O) and CO₂ - Nitrogen oxides (NOx) → Broken down into nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂)* 2. Helps M...