The Electrochomic

Rear View Mirror

What We Are Going To Cover

• What the Electrochromic rear

view mirror is

• Information for clients who

have the Electrochromic rear

view mirror

What is the Electrochromic Rear View Mirror?

• Replacement of flip style

rear view mirrors originally

introduced in the 1980’s

History of The Electrochromic Rear View Mirror

• Originally adopted by Ford & GM in the 80’s

• Found only in high end models as a luxury option

• Invented by Gentex in 1982

How Electochromic Rear View Mirror Works

• Standard piece of mirror glass with

material embedded in/or on the glass

• Controlled by two sensors capable of

charging the material

• Charge darkens material based on

amount of electrical charge received

How the Charge Works

• Charge doesn’t operate as simple on or off;

varying degree

• Charge varies the degree of darkness

• Sensors are located, one on front, one on back

• Front sensor faces outside vehicle, measures

ambient light

• Rear sensor faces behind vehicle to measure

glare from behind

• 2 Sensors work together to determine amount

of charge required

Windshield

Forward-facing sensor

Rear-facing sensor

Benefits of Electochromic Rear View Mirror

• Determines how much darkness mirror needs to

create for glare protection

• No need to manually flip up the mirror, driver not

distracted

• Removes worry about glare from behind

Technology for the Future

• Dimming feature

• Could be used for other types

of vehicle mirrors

Which is Better Electrochomic or Flip Style?

• Pros of Flip style

‣ Less expensive

‣ Widely available

‣ General auto stores carry it

• Cons of Flip style

‣ Have to manually make adjustments

Which is Better Electrochomic or Flip Style?

• Pros of electrochomic

‣ Future design

‣ Often offered with other upgrade options

‣ Clock

‣ Temperature Gauge

‣ Compass

‣ Ease of use

‣ No need to constantly adjust

• Cons of electrochomic

‣ Electronic components creates higher price

‣ Bigger-bulkier-more components

‣ Must go directly to dealership for purchase and installation

What You Need to Know About the Electochomic Rear view Mirror

• Some vehicles are produced with both versions

• Not every model will have either option

• Both versions have different mounting brackets

• Vehicles with the Electochomic rear view mirror comes with

all other glass comprised of electrochomic technology

Importance of Rear View Mirror Brackets For Windshield Replacement

• Brackets for Flip version and Electrochomic are different

• All brackets are fastened directly to the windshield

• When having windshield replaced techs must know

the version of rear view mirror to order

• Right replacement parts