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GHSP Grenlite uses UV-C technology to reduce virus exposure in cars

Unveiled at CES, this ultraviolet light tech promises to automatically kill 99.9% of pathogens on vehicle surfaces -- including coronavirus.

Headshot of Antuan Goodwin
Headshot of Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin Senior Writer, Electrified Cars
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com
Expertise Nearly two decades of testing, driving, reporting on, writing about, reviewing, and editing content about electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, auton Credentials
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read
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Already in use in emergency services and commercial vehicles, Grenlite for personal vehicles will presumably be better integrated into the cabin design.

 GHSP

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all just a touch more germaphobic and with good reason. But a new Grenlite ultraviolet light treatment system debuting this week at CES 2021 promises to help make personal vehicles a safer haven against viral infection.

Pronounced "green light," the line of UV-C treatment products was created by automotive and home appliance supplier GHSP. This tech is already in use in emergency-service vehicles, mass transit and commercial vehicles, where it uses UV-C light to kill a claimed 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on exposed surfaces. This includes harder-to-kill pathogens such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and the human coronavirus.

The technology is now coming to personal vehicles where it will be able to automatically recognize when cabin surfaces or controls have been touched and dose the area with UV-C light to "clear the air or surface of harmful pathogens," according to the company's statement. Presumably, this happens just before the passengers enter or or after they exit the vehicle.

The system automatically bathes the vehicle's cabin in UV-C light when it detects surfaces have been recently touched by passengers.

 GHSP

Like almost every new vehicle technology these days, the Grenlite system is a connectable one, able to link up to cloud-based monitoring for precision control of each unit and information gathering that can boost treatment effectiveness. It can fit inside personal vehicles, as well as be scaled up to fit commercial and service vehicles, including buses and ambulances.

"GHSP's Grenlite system seeks to provide drivers with greater peace of mind that their car is safe and germ free," GHSP said in a statement. "Whether it is a first responder who drives to work in the same car they drive their kids to school in, or coworkers who carpool to the office, GHSP's powerful UV-C technology gives drivers the ability to feel safer in their vehicle."

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