This film is still rather cost-intensive for mid-range vehicles with large glazed areas. However, due to further promising developments with initial applications in the mobile area, it is anticipated that the prices will quickly drop. Other alternatives to film technology are based for instance on liquid crystal polymers or electrochromism.

The latter uses the ability of molecules and crystals to change their optical properties under the influence of an electric field or a current flow. This technology is already deployed in the car in order to darken the interior and exterior mirror and thus prevent glare effects. The disadvantage of larger surfaces is the high energy requirement needed to achieve short switching times.

Control is what counts most: Which technology finally prevails is not crucial, as they all need to be controlled electronically. The essential know-how is in the software and the intelligent connection to the vehicle system.

Andreas Wolf: "Today it is just a question of when intelligent glass is coming. At Continental we use our know-how for the entire system and can therefore integrate the desired functions into our electronic control units. Here we adjust the algorithms so that the behavior of the windows offers maximum safety and comfort for the driver while improving emission values. The appearance of all windows is optimized with an intelligent reaction to the changing lighting situations as well as automatic compensation of temperature and aging effects."
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