With emissions reduction regulations and the popularity of electric vehicles at an all-time high, automakers are under tremendous pressure to make their internal combustion engine vehicles more fuel efficient and raise the performance of their EVs. This means they are having to look at every possible aspect of a vehicle to help it meet green regulations and consumer desires.
For example, by using nanotechnology-powered glass — such as suspended particle device, or SPD, variable light transmission glass — in sunroofs instead of the bulky sliding overhead panel we are all familiar with, automakers have been able to provide additional headroom for passengers without having to compromise driving stability and safety by raising the center of gravity in cars and utilities. One automaker has publicly calculated that the use of SPD smart glass can eliminate the need for 54 components in their panoramic sunroofs and reduce weight in the roof by 13 pounds.
Another automaker has calculated that this technology can reduce cabin temperature by 18 degrees without using air conditioning. This not only allows automakers to reduce weight and add space by reducing the size of air conditioning compressors by 40 percent but also reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4 grams per kilometer and increases the driving range of electric vehicles by 5.5 percent.
