Volkswagen announced on Tuesday in Wolfsburg, Germany the launch of its innovative silver-layered windshield that allows motorists in cold climates to solve the problem of frozen windscreens.
The windshield is a wire-free heated and the infrared-reflecting windscreen, with a conductive layer of silver that provides the required heat to prevent a frosted windshield during winter.
According to Volkswagen, the product "heats up without the use of any filament wires" and provides "perfect visibility". It added that any renewed "misting" or icing up is also prevented.
While the manufacturer admitted that heated windows are not a new invention, the fine metal filaments inserted into the glass can become visible to the driver in situations where there is low sunlight or there is oncoming evening traffic.
In its press release, Volkswagen said the product provides perfect visibility due to its wire-free system which utilizes a wafer-thin electrically conductive layer of silver placed within the laminated glass. The electric current, which consumes 400 to 500 watts, provides the required heat to thaw the ice and prevent frost from building up.
Meanwhile, within the bottom section of the windscreen lie filaments that act as windscreen wiper heaters to prevent the wiper blades from freezing. During the summer, the same layer of silver reflects 60 percent of outside heat and reduces inside car temperature by 15C, making it useful as a passive heat shield and as a support for its air-conditioning system.
The heated wire-free windscreen is available for various Volkswagen models, with prices starting at $360 (€340), depending on the vehicle type. The German car manufacturer is offering the product as an optional extra for the Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Tiguan, Sharan, Passat and Passat Variant models.
Gizmodo noted, however, that "It's impossible not to look at a new feature from Volkswagen with a skeptical eye after Dieselgate, but we're hoping the company's new climate windshield, that can melt snow and ice without the need for distracting wires, delivers as promised."
