Drivers may find they get more range just by reducing extra operations in electric vehicles, such as air conditioning. That’s the theory of the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA), which proposes the use of Advanced solar control glass in EVs to reduce the solar heat load in the vehicle.
For some, air conditioning may be difficult to give up. The Advanced solar control glazing reduces cabin internal car temperatures by up to 20 degrees lower upon entry than traditional glass used in cars. With start-up temperatures lower, climate control systems uses less energy to maintain comfort. EPGAA says even while in motion, automatic climate control systems draw less power to maintain the set temperature.
With an estimated range of 100 to 200 miles per charge (according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml), anything you can do to reduce usage on the battery of an EV will push that to the upper end of that average.
When used in an internal combustion powered vehicle, Advanced solar control glass can reduce green house gas emissions by increasing fuel efficiency as much as 5 percent during warmer weather when air conditioning is typically used. Typically, it’s more gas-conscious to drive with the windows down for speeds of 40 miles per hour and below. At highway speeds open windows create more drag on the car and air conditioning, while it takes a certain amount of energy, can be more efficient.
There are additional benefits to the laminated coating of Advanced solar control on the glass used for a car. Laminated glass protects against break-in “smash and grab” theft. It provides up to 10-times the intrusion resistance of tempered glass. The glass plays a significant role in prolonging the lifespan of EV or hybrid battery packs by controlling battery core temperature. Tests run by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) find the coated glass can reduce core battery temperatures by up to 3.5 degrees, compared to vehicles using other types of glass.
Advanced Solar Glass also shows benefits in sound reduction, thermal control and UV protection. Thermal testing show that vehicles equipped with advanced solar control glass may reduce the effects of solar heat when parked in the sun, compared to standard tempered glass. Certain glass/vehicle configurations will reject solar heat and even be electrically heated, which reduces power drain from windshield defrost heat generation and blower motors.
The EPGAA is composed of glass and glass interlayer suppliers. The association supports automotive OEMs and regulatory agencies by providing information and education on the development of laminated glass for improved fuel efficiency, vehicle security, occupant comfort and safety.
