Here's a first look at Rivian's Electrochromic roof
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2015 Tesla Model S 85D, 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD OffRoad
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Well, then I hope they added a mechanical sunshade. Or mesh, or tint, or something. You can't just have the sun beating down on your passengers with a clear glass. Most will be on their mobile devices for longer trips. The bright sun is not screen friendly.
2015 Tesla Model S 85D, 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD OffRoad
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Nope. No sunshade. And no option for a metal roof. And no removable glass. Full exposed glass is the only option for the time being. They’ve said they’ll offer removable panels at a later date, but have stopped talking about electrochromatic altogether. There will likely be aftermarket options for a pop on sunshade. Hopefully they will consider that and put some mount hooks that one could easily connect to.
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Actually, tesla and the mach-e do great with a glass top...heat is really not an issue and the view is amazing...I'd have no problem with a panoramic or otherwise huge glass roof! I'd think Rivian would do it the same way...
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Someone will have to explain to me what good a glass roof is in Florida. May have to fiind a business that can install a white vinyl "wrap" over the dark glass to reflect the light and heat back into the Florida sky. Our Lincoln came with a opening "moon roof" hatch which opens. And it might get opened a couple of times a year. So far, we have not had any leaks during thunderstorms, thankfully.
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I have had a glass roof on my Peugeot. I always used the rolling cover because i don't like the bright light inside my vehicule. In winter time, you feel the cold coming true the glass. I am not a fan. I hope the glass will be very dark at least.
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So there is a possibility of doing aftermarket electric tint
It would be nice to black out the glass when desired
I'm thinking of making a cover that just goes over the cab/windows
Smaller manageable
Both Phoenix & Denver have brutal 🌞
Is it JUNE yet
It would be nice to black out the glass when desired
I'm thinking of making a cover that just goes over the cab/windows
Smaller manageable
Both Phoenix & Denver have brutal 🌞
Is it JUNE yet
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My Tesla model S has the full glass roof; it has worked really well, even in sunny Southern California. Bright sun is effectively screened out to a comfortable level. I think they got it just right.
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I'd check to see if Tesla has had any problems. We have a the Mach-E and the entire roof is glass...we've only had a few hot days so far, but I can't say the interior is any warmer than it'd be with an aluminum roof. Our summers can be incredibly uncomfortable...hazy, hot, humid and in the mid/upper 90s...none of my friends with Teslas have ever mentioned a problem but I'm not sure if the Rivian roof is the same?
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While your references may not have any negative reports, one needs to consider the science. Auto roofs for decades have had insulated headliners under the sheet metal to reduce the heating inside the vehicle. The Rivian will have an electric power AC unit to cool the interior, and the more the AC works, the less power will remain for travel. A white viny wrap over the dark plexiglass will reflect the solar energy instead of heating the roof, and the top of my head. So if the Rivian R1S comes as now reported, ours will get a covering of vinyl, and the interior will be cooler.
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Not sure that a white vinyl sticker will really help that much. I know in building sciences they've found that a layer of aluminum foil adhered to the underside of roof sheathing does not actually make an effective radiant barrier, despite manufacturer assertions. In order to be a meaningful radiant barrier there must be an "air gap" between the reflective layer and the sheathing/roof.
This is outside my area of expertise, but I assume the same physics/principals apply to your R1S scenario.
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You need to update your knowledge, go to Radiant Barriers. But radiant energy has to penetrate and be adsorbed, so a layer of reflective film will stop the penetration and reflect better than a dark mass of plexiglass. Anyway, will post our report on the improvement a few weeks after we have our R1S, in August, or September, or October, or ....................
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I like how you ignored everything I said and then posted the old, outdated info. Whatever, enjoy your sticker.
I have used 3M Crystalline film on my previous EV's on all windows including the windshield to lower infrared generated heat from entering the cabin, mostly because I live in a warm climate, and more cabin heat results in need for more air conditioning, and less AC needed increases EV range, and range is KING in an EV with the current DC fast charging infrastructure. This film has a very high light transmission and adds very little "tint" to the glass. Would be great if Rivian would offer 3M Crystalline or some similar product applied to the inside of the glass. If not, my first R1T trip will be 100 miles away to a 3M dealer.
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Doesn't that film also reduce heating in the winter, so that you need to warm the car more? My region has extremes on both weather sides. I'd assume the 3M tint you're referring to is best if you live only in a hot region (year long)?
In Georgia, much more need for air conditioning than heat, and heated seats and steering wheel work fairly well for most times in winter...so heat intrusion is the biggest enemy in the southeast. If you live in Wisconsin, then you probably would not want the 3M tint.
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