In hot climates, parked cars can quickly turn into ovens, with trunk temperatures soaring high enough to damage groceries, medications, electronics, and other heat-sensitive items. While front cabin air conditioning keeps passengers comfortable, trunks typically receive no cooling—creating a risky temperature gap during transport. This problem affects millions in desert regions and tropical areas, where daily temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C).

How Trunk Cooling Could Work

One way to address this would be to modify vehicle climate systems to include trunk cooling. Factory-installed versions could integrate adjustable vents into the trunk, linked to the main HVAC controls. Aftermarket solutions might use auxiliary fans or extendable ducts to redirect cabin airflow. Smart systems could automatically activate cooling when sensors detect heat buildup or items in the trunk. Drivers could then balance cooling between cabin and trunk—prioritizing passengers during normal trips, but protecting cargo when needed.

Key features might include:

• Dedicated trunk vents with adjustable airflow
• Temperature sensors to trigger automatic cooling
• Weight sensors to detect when the trunk is in use

Why This Fills a Gap

Existing solutions like portable coolers or insulated bags are limited—they're either small-scale, passive, or require separate devices. Some luxury cars have rear seat vents, but these don't reach the trunk. An integrated system would actively cool the entire trunk space using the vehicle's existing AC, offering better protection without added hassle. For automakers, this could be a differentiating feature in hot markets; for consumers, it could mean fewer spoiled groceries or damaged medications.

Testing the Waters

A simple MVP could start with aftermarket solutions, like 12V-powered trunk fans or clip-on duct extenders. These could be tested with local drivers in hot climates to gauge interest and effectiveness. Longer-term, partnerships with automakers could lead to factory-installed systems with smart controls that automatically adjust cooling based on trunk contents. Early prototypes suggest non-invasive installations are possible, using slim ducts along trunk edges or modular fans that don't require permanent modifications.