Prototype Lexus ROV Introduces World-First Innovative Windshield Coating

• Prototype Lexus ROV with innovative single-layer low-emission resin windshield coating
• The coating meets international safety standards
• The technology reduces CO2 emissions and costs
• ROV is a prototype car with a hydrogen combustion engine

Lexus has been working on solutions that reduce carbon dioxide emissions for years and is gradually introducing them into its models. The brand was the first in the premium class to introduce hybrid drives and start the electrification of this part of the market. Currently, in addition to classic hybrids, it also offers plug-in hybrids and cars with battery electric drives.

Lexus, however, does not limit itself to drives alone and increases the use of environmentally friendly materials at the model design stage. In the electric Lexus RZ and in the smallest urban crossover LBX, you can order interior upholstery made of ecological Ultrasuede suede. In turn, technologies such as radiant heating or a photochromatic roof prove that the brand knows how to reduce the demand for energy in electric cars in an innovative way.

The first such glass in the world

In the future, solutions that will reduce the weight of vehicles, which will translate into improved range, will be extremely important. One of such materials is polycarbonate resin, from which windows are made. Compared to their glass counterparts, they are half the weight, easier to form under the influence of temperature, and more difficult to break. However, they must meet strict standards in terms of resistance and abrasion. So far, three-layer coatings have been used, two of which were thermoset and one layer was subjected to steam chemical dispersion. However, the entire process consumes a lot of energy and is expensive.

The low-emission resin windshield used in the Lexus ROV prototype received an ultra-hard single-layer coating, which is the first in the world to meet the requirements of the UN/ECE R43 Class L standard. The material can be used on windshields, side windows and other places through which the driver looks. It is hardened with UV radiation and only one layer is applied, which reduces costs by 40% and reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 80% compared to previously used solutions.

The innovative windshield covering material was developed by Toyota Industries, which has been developing plastic window technology since the 1990s. It has vast experience in the production of hard materials resistant to abrasion and difficult weather conditions. It also refines production processes to optimize costs while maintaining the highest product quality.

Innovative Lexus ROV

Lexus ROV is a prototype recreational vehicle that uses many innovative technologies. The car is powered by a 1.0-liter hydrogen combustion engine, which allows you to combine emission-free driving with extreme off-road capabilities thanks to a long-travel suspension, roll cage and thick tires that enable driving in muddy terrain. Its dimensions (3122 mm long, 1725 mm wide and 1800 mm high) allow for easy maneuvering.

The shock absorbers use biodegradable fluid. The front bumper and hood are made from a combination of recycled plastic and CNF biomaterial. The mesh fibers used in the seat backrest supports are also made from recycled materials.