Genesis reveals new heated windscreen to melt ice three times quicker

[Sal Collaziano]

Genesis has unveiled new heated windscreen technology which it says is three times more effective than previous systems.​

The next-generation system is designed to improve the thermal efficiency of electric cars and so use less energy. The Korean brand showcased it on its all-electric GV60 and GV70 models. According to Genesis the 48V metal-coated heated glass technology uses 10% less energy than a conventional fan-based air con system and can clear ice three times faster than regular heated screens. In testing on the GV70 and GV60 in temperatures as low as -18°C, the system achieved a completely clear windscreen in just five minutes compared with more than 15 minutes for a regular system.

By using a dedicated 48V system to convert energy from the car’s 800-volt electrical system rather than using the auxiliary 12V battery, Genesis says it helps use less energy and helps boost range. The technology works by passing a current through the 20-layer transparent windscreen coating, raising the temperature of the glass consistently and completely clearing the windscreen. As well as quicker de-icing the glass is also better at insulating than other screens. In winter this helps keep the interior warmer using less energy, while in summer it is estimated to block at least 60% of total solar energy, helping to lower cabin temperature by 2-3°C. Read more...

 

[Jhon]

I had one of those systems in a 88 Lincoln. It worked pretty good for light frost. I got a ding in it and tried to get it fixed but the glass place said they did not touch them as they would shatter if they tried to fix it and they did not think they made them any more. ( the car was only 6 years old when it cracked) So I let it alone but when the crack started to spread I got had it replaced and low and behold, they had a replacement. The insurance company paid to replace the whole thing. so no biggie. Also, I had to get a special Toll pass that mounted above my licence plate as the toll pass could not be read through the glass.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I had one of those systems in a 88 Lincoln. It worked pretty good for light frost. I got a ding in it and tried to get it fixed but the glass place said they did not touch them as they would shatter if they tried to fix it and they did not think they made them any more. ( the car was only 6 years old when it cracked) So I let it alone but when the crack started to spread I got had it replaced and low and behold, they had a replacement. The insurance company paid to replace the whole thing. so no biggie. Also, I had to get a special Toll pass that mounted above my licence plate as the toll pass could not be read through the glass.

Interesting... I wonder if they've made any changes, since then, for there to be less complications... My guess is no - but it would be nice...

 

[costeau]

I had a heated windshield in three Fords I had. This was 12 volt, but with thinner than hairline elements molded into the glass. Worked a treat.

But with the GV60, I just preheat the car before I have a shower in the morning.

 

[ejguillot]

The tech has been around for decades, GM had it as an option (InstaClear) in the 80’s and 90’s. Fun fact: they put in the InstaClear windshields in the Caprice police package for a few months, and then were forced to take them out and put in standard glass. Turned out that the InstaClear layer was RF opaque, so dash mounted radar units wouldn’t work!

 

[joegr]

Interesting... I wonder if they've made any changes, since then, for there to be less complications... My guess is no - but it would be nice...

My memory is that the early Ford Insta-Clear windshields were high voltage. The system would disconnect the alternator from the rest of the car (the car would run off the battery while the windshield defrost would being used), The alternator was set to high voltage mode and connected only to the windshield while the windshield was being defrosted.
It sounds like this new setup is less convoluted than the old Ford setup.