Electric vehicles run on a battery, rather than a combustion engine. But that’s not the only difference between electric and conventional gas-powered vehicles: your electric vehicle’s auto glass may very well be different!
This is one difference that a lot of electric vehicle owners don’t realize exists—only to be surprised when it comes time to fix or replace their windshield. In today’s post, we’re discussing the question, “Is auto glass different in EVs?”
How Auto Glass Differs in EVs
Auto glass can differ in electric vehicles—compared to older, conventional gas-powered cars—in a few key ways.
Electric vehicles prioritize improved fuel economy not only in engine type but also in the design of the car itself. EVs often boast a more streamlined design to reduce drag and improve efficiency—which has a direct impact on the curvature of the windshield.
In addition, many EV manufacturers are happily adopting the technological advances in windshields, especially in luxury EVs. In addition to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)—which are quickly becoming standard in most vehicles (electric or otherwise)—EVs often include things like heads-up displays on the glass, integrated defrosting and demisting systems, and even smart glass.
Smart glass—also called switchable glass, intelligent glass, or electrochromic glass—can project fuel levels, warnings, and speed on the windshield, as well as adjust the tinting of the windows. (Changing the tint both protects the passengers from UV rays and helps regulate the internal temperature of the car.)
What’s more, some EVs (like the Tesla Model S) have an entirely glass roof!
What This Means for Windshield Repair & Replacement
Advances in car manufacturing—from advanced driver assistance systems to windshields embedded with technology—are a boon for driver comfort and safety. However, this also means that windshield repair and replacement can be trickier and, occasionally, more expensive.
When it comes to windshield repair for gas-powered cars, chips and cracks can typically be repaired if they are not too large, not blocking the driver’s sight, or not located at the edge of the windshield. (You can read our previous post to learn more about when to repair versus when to replace your windshield.) For EVs, however, whether or not a chip or crack is repairable also depends on whether repair would affect any sensors or technology embedded in the windshield. (And of course, any windshield repair or replacement would need to include calibration of the vehicle’s ADAS.)
When it comes to replacement, electric vehicles may require OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts rather than aftermarket parts. (For example, using an aftermarket windshield will void your Tesla’s warranty.) This is typically what can drive up the cost for EV windshield replacement.
Need Windshield Repair or Replacement?
If you need windshield repair, replacement, or ADAS calibration for your electric vehicle, contact Jack’s Glass. With more than 75 years in business, our auto glass pros have the experience and knowledge to handle your glass needs. You can trust that we’ll install your windshield correctly and quickly—and keep your car’s key safety systems working, whenever you need them.
Call us today to learn what we can do for you!
