Genesis tapping 48-volt system for heated windshield glass tech

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posted on 2 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Next-gen heated windshield tech could improve visibility and efficiency while taking less time than today's solutions.

Genesis is testing a more efficient way to power heated windshields—metal-coated glass—by drawing from a vehicle's 48-volt electrical system.

As described by Genesis, current is passed through a 20-layer transparent coating of conductive material, raising the temperature of the glass enough to clear fogging or other visual obstructions. Using a 48-volt electrical system to supply the current improves efficiency compared to a 12-volt system, while also reducing the weight and complexity of require electrical hardware.

Genesis tests metal-coated heated windshield

Genesis claims that, in testing with Electrified GV70 and GV60 electric SUVs at temperatures just below zero degrees Fahrenheit, this setup cleared 100% of frost from windshields in five minutes, compared to 15 minutes for conventional hardware while consuming 10% less power.

Heated windshields already exist, but they rely on embedded wires. Eliminating them in favor of a metallic coating could improve visibility for drivers, Genesis claims adding that elimination of traditional vents and other hardware for clearing windshields could open up more possibilities for head-up displays and augmented-reality navigation.

Genesis tests metal-coated heated windshield

The metal coating also blocks up to 60% of solar energy coming into the cabin, helping to lower temperatures by approximately 35 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit on sunny days, Genesis claimed. That's something Genesis parent Hyundai has also demonstrated with similar hardware.

Genesis hasn't confirmed this version of heated windshields for future models, although its use of the 800-volt traction-battery electronics in the Electrified GV70 and GV60 test cars to supply power sets a blueprint for that. And this could become a more common feature if automakers adopt 48-volt accessory systems for future EVs, as Tesla is now encouraging them to do.

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