Enhancing EVs with Saflex® PVB Interlayers

Addressing the current trends for electric vehicles

The future of the automotive industry is electric. Nearly all major manufacturers have committed to increasing production and sales of electric vehicles (EVs). Some plan on phasing out gas-powered vehicles altogether.

 

Electric vehicles, however, create some special challenges and needs for automotive designers and manufacturers, particularly when it comes to lightweight glazing. For example, to make EVs as efficient as possible, designers need to create proficiencies through lightweighting, advanced solar control, and features that don’t drain the battery. And although today’s consumers want the sustainability of EVs, they still expect an exceptional driving experience––one with cabin comfort, whisper-quiet interiors, and enhanced connectivity with head-up displays.

 

Automotive designers and OEMs can choose from an array of Eastman Saflex automotive advanced interlayers that meet and exceed the special needs EVs bring to the market, providing more design freedom and production flexibility.

Generating excitement in your EV designs

Saflex interlayers help manage vehicle weight by enabling the use of thinner glazing for windshields, sunroofs, and side glass while still having the structural integrity necessary for safety and performance. This is especially important for improved aerodynamics and weight reduction in frameless, flush-design doors. And our Saflex Color PVB interlayers for color laminated glass are ideal for EVs that remove sunroof shade covers to conserve weight; these distinctive color interlayer solutions blocks 99.9% of UV rays* protecting occupants, reducing interior fading, and mitigating solar heat.

 

Similarly, our solar absorbing PVB solutions—such as the Saflex S series, Saflex Solar Connect, and XIR solar control technology—are ideal for EV glass in cabin-forward designs and for larger sunroofs, reducing loads on air-conditioning systems and helping to maximize electric vehicle driving range.

 

EVs present special demands for acoustic layered glass as well. With the lack of combustion engines, there’s a greater prevalence of wind and tire noise in electric vehicles. With Saflex Q series and Saflex E series acoustic interlayer products and our exclusive online Saflex Auto SoundDemo, OEMs can hone in on optimum acoustics for their EV models.

 

Additionally, color and gradient band interlayers reduce distracting glare to help keep drivers comfortable and focused on the road ahead. With our portfolio of solutions for head-up displays (HUD), such as our new Saflex Horizon LVID interlayers, EV OEMs can create truly immersive driver experiences that also drive brand loyalty.

 

For the automotive industry, Eastman has been ahead of the curve, offering improved acoustics, solar control, and advanced design options for EV glass—including windshields, side glass, and sunroofs.

 

*calculated in accordance with ISO9050 from 300 to 380 nm

Talk with our expert
It’s time to get amped about your EV glazing. To see how Saflex can be your one-stop interlayer shop to enhance your designs, visit our product pages or contact us today.