“SPD technology is smart glass that allows you to change the shade of the glass,” explained Harary. “There is a film we invented that contains small nanoparticles, which you can control with a small electrical voltage. So, basically this film … that allows you to adjust the level of shade you want. ”
“Crystals are about three to five tenths of a micron in length and act as induced dipoles, so when you apply an electric field to conductive coatings on the film,” continued Harary, “the particles align and allow light to pass through . So, when you remove the voltage, their natural tendency is to be in the dark state due to Brownian movement and this causes the glass to be tinted. ”
As the hue partially blocks incoming photons, it also reduces the amount of glare experienced by the driver and the heat trapped inside the vehicle – more than 99.5% of the light and 95% of the heat, according to a press release from company in January. The claim is that this allows vehicle occupants to be comfortable for a longer time without having to turn on the A / C, as well as keeping the interior up to 18 degrees (F) cooler overall, Harary said.
“You are making the car safer because you are lowering the center of gravity and reducing the weight on the roof; you’re using air conditioning less, ”said Harary, adding that“ Continental Automotive has calculated that you can save four grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions ”by using this technology. In places like the European Union, where drivers are taxed based on the amount of CO2 their vehicles emit for distance traveled, cutting four grams per kilometer can translate into some significant savings in operating expenses – around € 380 (~ $ 410 ) annually, on average.
What’s more, these weight and energy savings should translate into longer driving distances for EVs, since battery tanks are not being used to conduct A / C or help carry unnecessary additional weight. The effects of acoustic damping and safety are also increased – at least compared to a conventional convertible roof – since you are walking under a sheet of laminated glass instead of an aluminum roof structure and heavy canvas.
We will, of course, see this technology at Celestiq as it arrives at dealer showrooms in 2023. However, the Celestiq – operating under the auspices of being Caddy’s new flagship EV – is expected to be a handmade monster from a sedan sold by $ 200,000 or more, not exactly what most people would find affordable, especially in this economy. However, Harary remains confident that as the technology spreads, consumers will soon begin to see it not just on cheaper car models, but on billboards, advertising campaigns and even modern architecture.