Who Requires Tint? Auto-Dimming Back Windows Are the Upcoming Trend

      Getty Images, Toyota, The Drive

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      Electrochromic glass may not be a groundbreaking innovation, but it continues to feel quite extraordinary. If you’ve ever experienced a car with a sunroof made of this material, you know how impressive it is. With a simple button press, the skylight transitions from bright and clear to dark, shielding you from the sun’s harsh rays. Toyota has integrated this technology into its flagship Century luxury SUV sold in Japan, but not in the way you might expect. In the Century, the back side windows also feature electrochromic glass, which doesn't just darken but instead becomes frosted, allowing gentle light to filter through.

      This feature has made headlines, but it isn’t a new concept. The Century was unveiled two years ago, though it may have been overshadowed by the vehicle’s numerous other standout technologies. When Toyota first showcased the new Century, it featured a model with sliding doors. The second-row captain’s chairs can recline almost flat and include powered footrests, and there’s even a specific drive mode designed for enhanced comfort of rear passengers, reflecting the notion that anyone who owns this vehicle is likely not the one driving it.

      However, it’s the side windows that have piqued our interest. Toyota states that they can switch between three settings: clear, semi-translucent, and opaque. What’s fascinating about this feature is that the glass doesn’t actually darken; instead, light continues to pass through, but visibility to the outside is obscured. This is an impressive application of the technology, creating a unique experience for passengers.

      The three stages of the Toyota Century’s “Digital Curtain” window glass. Toyota

      The technology was created by AGC, which claims that the Century is the first vehicle to utilize electrochromic glass in its doors. AGC had to ensure the system could withstand the mechanical demands associated with movable glass, as previously, this type of technology had only been applied to fixed roof sections.

      The operation of the glass is relatively straightforward: it features a thin film made from a “special material” (the exact composition remains a secret) containing particles arranged randomly to disperse light. When a voltage is applied to this film, the particles align, making it transparent.

      Upon examining an image from the SUV’s unveiling, you may notice that the rear quarter glass appears opaque, while the side door window is clearly transparent, potentially due to the door being open. In its promotional content, Toyota compares the opaque effect to “sitting in a Japanese-style room,” which is fitting, given that the Century has historically been Toyota's platform to showcase the fusion of Japanese artistry and engineering in an automobile. While it's disappointing that we can't experience it here in the U.S, Toyota did eventually introduce the Crown here several years ago, so there’s still hope that the Century may one day make its way to our shores.

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