How nanotech is changing cars

About a dozen car models have been using nanotechnology to control heat, light and glare, improve safety and comfort, reduce CO2 emissions and even increase the driving range of internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. Initially this technology was introduced in premium cars, but it is now making its way to midpriced cars as well.

Here are three ways it is being adopted by automakers.

Glare has long been a safety hazard for motorists, yet automakers have only been able to offer imperfect solutions — such as clunky flip-down visors or heavily tinted glass that obscures views. But thanks to nanotechnology as well as advances in photovoltaics, automakers can now embed nanotechnology-powered visors directly into windshields and windows to dynamically dim and lighten depending on light and glare conditions.

Additionally, thanks to the same technology, motorists can set their vehicle windows to be in an opaque state when they are away from their vehicles, preventing passersby from seeing into the vehicle .

With automakers offering various levels of automated parking, driving and other hands-free convenience features, we are moving toward a point where drivers need to do less. Drivers will start to have a lot more time on their hands.

What if car windows could become a TV screen or computer monitor? Nanotechnology in glass can make this happen.

Or what if windows could become interactive touch screens that would allow motorists to interact with local businesses and attractions as they drive by? These are some considerations that automakers are beginning to look at.

With emissions reduction regulations and the popularity of electric vehicles at an all-time high, automakers are under tremendous pressure to make their internal combustion engine vehicles more fuel efficient and raise the performance of their EVs. This means they are having to look at every possible aspect of a vehicle to help it meet green regulations and consumer desires.

For example, by using nanotechnology-powered glass — such as suspended particle device, or SPD, variable light transmission glass — in sunroofs instead of the bulky sliding overhead panel we are all familiar with, automakers have been able to provide additional headroom for passengers without having to compromise driving stability and safety by raising the center of gravity in cars and utilities. One automaker has publicly calculated that the use of SPD smart glass can eliminate the need for 54 components in their panoramic sunroofs and reduce weight in the roof by 13 pounds.

Another automaker has calculated that this technology can reduce cabin temperature by 18 degrees without using air conditioning. This not only allows automakers to reduce weight and add space by reducing the size of air conditioning compressors by 40 percent but also reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4 grams per kilometer and increases the driving range of electric vehicles by 5.5 percent.