In the fast-changing electric vehicle (EV) market, innovation can be found in unexpected places — like in between the layers of glass in your vehicle.
Installed discreetly between laminated glass, ultra-thin, nearly invisible Saflex PVB interlayers from Eastman are helping original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) elevate EVs and stand out in a competitive market.
“Unlike combustion engine vehicles, which can be differentiated through unique engine design and user experience, EVs struggle to stand out based on battery technology alone,” said Jamie Dziczkowski, EV platform manager at Eastman.
With most EV batteries sourced from a handful of major suppliers, automakers face a challenge: how to distinguish their vehicles beyond the battery.
As part of its innovation strategy, Eastman created the Saflex Evoca platform. It is a suite of interlayers engineered to not only meet the demands of today’s vehicles, but also to anticipate the needs of the future as electrification, connectivity and autonomy reshape the industry. The Evoca platform supports EV innovation by addressing glazing challenges — enhancing comfort, improving efficiency and unlocking design possibilities.
“OEMs turn to the Saflex Evoca platform because its PVB interlayers offer unique customizability,” said Richard Pan, Saflex business development manager, based in China. “With a broad portfolio of solutions aimed at reducing solar heat gain, enhancing energy efficiency and improving acoustic comfort, these features help OEMs build EVs that differentiate themselves.”
This versatility is essential, especially in rapidly changing markets like China, where new car models debut every 18 to 24 months — far quicker than the typical four to five years in Europe and the United States. Such speed demands glazing solutions that can keep pace.
Saflex offers a broad selection of color interlayers that provide OEMs with design flexibility to craft unique EVs while maintaining high performance. Combined with solar interlayers, these solutions boost vehicle efficiency, occupant comfort and design possibilities.
“Because of the additional glass, EVs are particularly sensitive to solar heat,” said Ingo Kramer, Saflex business development manager, based in Europe. “Running the air conditioning to make the cabin more comfortable draws power from the battery, reducing driving range.”
Saflex Evoca’s S Series interlayers reduce solar heat and block UV radiation to help keep vehicle interiors cooler. By lowering interior temperatures, this cooling effect can help reduce demand on vehicle HVAC and may help conserve battery charge used for cooling in some situations.*
To maximize occupant comfort, addressing acoustic performance is essential. The acoustic PVB interlayers under the Evoca platform address the growing importance of cabin quietness. As the quiet hum of an EV’s powertrain replaces engine noise, road and wind sounds become more noticeable — and potentially disruptive.
“Good acoustic performance is critical,” Pan said. “Voice recognition systems and in-car communications depend on a quiet environment to function properly.”
Acoustic interlayers such as Saflex Evoca RSL are especially important as many EVs adopt frameless glass designs and require superior acoustic comfort. The rigid sidelite interlayers effectively absorb and reduce unwanted noise, creating a calm and peaceful cabin environment. Every PVB interlayer within the Evoca platform is designed to support the advanced technologies essential for connected and autonomous vehicles.
“At Saflex, we take pride in carefully developing products that meet customer needs, rather than rushing to launch new offerings every year,” Dziczkowski said. “Our strength comes from leveraging a growing portfolio of innovative interlayers, allowing us to provide OEMs with a comprehensive total solution. This approach is what sets Saflex apart.”
Visit the Saflex website for a closer look at the technology shaping EVs and for a deeper exploration of the Saflex Evoca portfolio.
*Actual impacts depend on vehicle model, ambient conditions and usage and should be validated by testing.
