If you’ve spent most of your driving life in cold regions, you likely know the frustration of ineffective window scrapers and struggling to see through tiny clear sections on frosted windows. However, this may soon change, especially if your next vehicle is a Volkswagen, as the automaker has developed a new type of heated windshield.
The concept of a windshield with integrated heating is not new; several manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo, already feature heated windshields that utilize thin wires to conduct electricity for heating purposes. However, these wires can be distracting for passengers, particularly when light shines on them from low angles.
Volkswagen’s innovative solution is completely undetectable, as the company claims. By incorporating a “wafer-thin” layer of silver within the laminated glass and passing an electric current through it, the windshield is warmed from the inside, allowing ice to quickly melt into water. Additionally, the system includes a supplementary component located at the bottom of the windshield to expedite the thawing of icy wipers.
The benefits of the silver-infused windshield extend beyond winter use. This invisible layer also reflects up to 60% of infrared radiation that would otherwise enter the vehicle, potentially decreasing the internal temperature by as much as 60 degrees Fahrenheit during hotter seasons.
Volkswagen has announced that this new heated windshield will be available on six models, starting at €340 (approximately $365 based on current exchange rates). To us, this seems like a great deal… or at least perfect for winter.
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