Thnx Auger. I found this part to be particularly interesting.
36Kr: What does this type of glass cost? HJ: Cost control is part of our competitiveness, but I can’t share exact figures. In the aftermarket, thermal insulation films can be so dark they affect driving, and applying them to an entire car can cost more than RMB 10,000 (USD 1,400).
Starting in 2025, more cars will include dimmable glass as standard rather than optional. That means costs are now at a level automakers find acceptable. From the beginning, our vision was to make dimming technology accessible to a broad market, so any car priced above RMB 150,000 (USD 21,000) should be able to use it.
36Kr: How do dimmable glass technologies differ among popular models?HJ: The Maextro S800 uses liquid crystal (LC) technology, which can change color in milliseconds. It’s mainly used for side windows and privacy features such as gesture-controlled dimming. Speed is its advantage.
The Xiaomi YU7 Max uses our fourth-generation EC technology, with a 99.85% shading rate. The key feature is blocking 99.9% of UV and IR light, cutting the wavelengths that cause heat buildup and interior aging. This delivers real sun protection and heat insulation.
Every technology has pros and cons. Our EC technology offers higher clarity. It changes more slowly, but that does not affect normal use. In return, it consumes less energy, offers stronger protection, and provides a better visual experience.
36Kr: Can switching speed be improved?HJ: Switching speed is not a bottleneck. With optimization, we can reach 20–50 seconds. Size matters. The YU7 Max’s roof is over 1.7 square meters, while side windows change in just over ten seconds.
In practice, users prioritize sun protection, heat insulation, and UV blocking over switching speed, which tends to stand out only in showroom settings or demonstrations.
36Kr: Beyond switching speed, what’s the next focus for optimization?HJ: Color and contrast. At Auto Shanghai, we surveyed 2,000 visitors. Most said color was most important.
On a car, glass covers a large visual area. First, the color should be neutral black or a pure tone. Second, contrast matters: dark mode must be dark enough, and bright mode bright enough. Third comes sun protection and heat insulation. Switching speed ranks lower.
36Kr: Besides privacy and sun protection, will automotive glass gain more functions?HJ: So far, we’ve applied dimming to side windows and roofs. Rear windshields, front side windows, and front windshields have not yet been implemented. Ultimately, we expect full-vehicle dimming.
36Kr: Why hasn’t full-vehicle dimming been achieved yet?HJ: Front windshields and side windows face legal light transmittance requirements. As we move toward Level 4 autonomous driving, cars will become a “third mobile space,” which will create strong demand for full-vehicle dimming.
For LC technology, molecular limitations restrict it to flat glass, such as side windows. Our EC technology works on large areas, high curvature, and irregular shapes. That’s our advantage. |
