This company wants to redesign the humble car sun visor

Driving can become challenging when sunlight shines directly through the windshield, causing glare that hampers visibility. To address this issue, one company is revolutionizing traditional sun visors with a translucent, auto-dimming antiglare visor for drivers and passengers.

Gentex, a Michigan-based company, is behind this innovative visor design. Known for their autodimming rear-view mirrors, Gentex has now created a dimmable, transparent visor that offers new features like glare reduction through dashboard control and a dual function as a vanity mirror. Additionally, the visor includes a transparent screen for real-time alerts and notifications.

Using electrochromatic technology, the visor and a sunroof variant darken based on electrical exposure. Unlike traditional materials like tungsten oxide, Gentex utilizes viologens, organic materials that provide similar properties but are more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easier to recycle. While viologen-powered smart windows are already in use in Boeing 787 aircraft, the sun visor prototype is currently showcased at CES 2025.

While the concept of a high-tech smart glass visor is promising, there is a concern about potential distractions. However, when used responsibly, these visors could enhance a driver’s field of view compared to traditional visors. It will be up to automotive designers to decide if Gentex’s innovative ideas will be integrated into future car designs.

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