To investigate the mechanism of vehicle cabin temperature on driver cognitive ability

a vehicle simulation driving platform was built. The driver's physiological parameters

psychological feelings

and cognitive ability were investigated at different cabin temperatures (20 ℃

23 ℃

26 ℃

and 30 ℃). The results showed that the cognitive ability of the driver decreased with an increase in cabin temperature. Heart rate increased significantly

and the thermal sensation

thermal comfort

and brain load scores increased; the environmental acceptability

job satisfaction

and job willingness scores decreased. At 20 ℃

the completion time of the cognitive ability test was the shortest

the number of errors was the smallest

and drivers maintained high cognitive ability. At 23 ℃

the driver’s subjective thermal comfort was the best. When the vehicle cabin temperature exceeded 26 ℃

drivers began sweating on their palms

forehead

and back. Therefore

for better cognitive performance and thermal comfort

the vehicle cabin temperature should be maintained at 20–23 ℃. These research results can provide a reference for temperature standards in vehicle cabin design for safe driving.