Rear Auto-Dimming Windows: The Emerging Trend in Automotive Innovation
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Ancient magic or cutting-edge tech? Electrochromic glass - a marvel somehow still bewitching auto enthusiasts. Ever sat underneath an electrochromic sunroof? Press a button, and voilà! Sunlight transforms from an illuminating zenith to a comforting shade.
Imagine the upgraded sensation as Toyota's flagship Century luxury SUV graces you with its frosted, electrochromic side windows. The rear side windows, to be precise! Most puzzlingly, they don't "turn dark" as you might expect from this technology. Rather, they morph into a frosted, semi-transparent state, permitting soft daylight while maintaining privacy.
This stunning development has graced headlines but isn't entirely novel. The Century has been Toyota's star player for years, tantalizing the masses with its innovative tech trimmings. At its unveiling, the Century flaunted sliding doors, reclinable second-row captain's chairs with power footrests, and a dedicated comfort mode for the rear passengers - catering to the opulent lifestyle these vehicles often symbolize.
Yet, the frosted side windows are the real showstopper. Adjustable between three modes - clear, semi-transparent, and opaque - these windows are a magnificent demonstration of the technology's potential. As a passenger, wouldn't it feel surreal to cocooned in this unique ambiance?
The technology's brains belong to AGC, who've proudly announced the Century as the first application of electrochromic glass in car doors. Previously reserved for fixed roof segments, this technology has now withstood the mechanical tests associated with movable glass on Toyota's Century.
The working mechanism is an intriguing dance of particles within a thin film. When a voltage is applied, these particles realign, making the film transparent. Toyota likens the opaque effect to sitting in a traditional Japanese room - a fitting nod to the Century's legendary blending of Japanese art and engineering marvels. Alas, Stateside auto aficionados have yet to enjoy the Century's charms, although Toyota has graced us with the Crown, its American counterpart, in recent years.
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💡 Did You Know?
Other automakers have followed suit, integrating electrochromic glass in their vehicles. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette offers an electrochromic dimming glass roof panel, enable the user to control the cabin's light with an electrical voltage. Additionally, the Toyota Crown now boasts dimming electrochromic side windows, further popularizing this technology in luxury vehicles.
In the realm of automobile advancements, smart-home devices like the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette are incorporating gadgets such as electrochromic dimming glass roof panels, allowing drivers to adjust the cabin's light with an electrical voltage, similar to the technology already found in the Toyota Crown's side windows. This expanding use of technology in the auto industry is a testament to its influence and versatility.
