New California Environmental Rule Could Disrupt Radios, Phones
They pointed out that the reflective metallic material can degrade GPS signals. They warn that sunroofs would have to be “effectively black,” and Chrysler has said it may have to stop selling the soft-top convertible Jeep Wrangler in California because the flexible plastic windows can’t meet the standard.
Proponents argue that the rule will save 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2020—or the equivalent of taking 140,000 cars off the road for a year.
The rule takes effect in 2012 and requires that all vehicles stop 45% of the sun’s energy from entering the car by 2014 and 60% by 2016. The CARB predicts that it will cost automakers $111 per vehicle at first and $215 when the 2016 standard kicks in. It could take consumers 5 to 12 years to recoup this cost in gas savings from the car being cooler.
Still, the main concern remains not the cost but what effect window-glazing might have on different devices. Toyota experimented with a similar reflective glass in Japan in the early ‘90s, but they pulled the windows because it led to trouble with devices that used radio waves. Honda, one of the more environmentally forward-thinking automakers, has said that on the current timetable, the rule is “simply not feasible.”
Automakers have proposed a different standard that would “absorb” sunlight rather than reflect it, but CARB appears to be sticking with this rather bizarre rule. In terms of reduced carbon emissions, it seems like a whole lotta rule for a very small gain.
‘Cool’ Car Rules Could Affect Radios, Phones (Detroit News)
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I don't know about this rule. I live in Los Angeles and all the cars I have been in, that were made in the last 10 years, when it is hot enough to want AC it is set at its coldest setting and the fan is at least on medium. I don't think this window idea is going to make that much of a difference.
This stuff can disrupt cell phone signals? Let's put this law into effect everywhere!
What about Ford's old electric windshields? That should have proved something.The metal layer wouldnt allow radar detectors to work while sitting on the dash (they needed remote models).
Maybe an electric powered LCD filled glass would be better (a'la Knight Rider).Flick a switch and the glass goes dark...
This is silly. Why not make driving tests tougher, or include some extra questions on the driver's test to inculcate into new drivers about the important of driving efficiently. Surely teaching repetitively will outdo this waste of money.
We finally got standardized emissions requirements across the nation, everyone plays by the same rules and manufacturers don't have to play games with which models can be sold where in the US.
So what does California do? They create a new requirement that will reduce the number of auto manufacturers that want to do business in the state.
Is this how you help bring the state back from economic ruin?
I'm with Dan. If they stop cell phone signals, start requiring them yesterday.
California has very strict window tint laws that prevent people from cooling down their vehicles and using less AC. All they have to do is repeal those ridiculous laws, and the problem is solved without creating another one.