I live in Australia, and the sun is absolutely brutal in summer. White cars are preferred as they are cooler and reflect the sun. I cannot understand why all the new EVs coming onto the market have sun roofs, with the exception of some cheaper models like the Oras and MGs. Noting that glass weighs more than metal, why is this the case?
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Amelia said:
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Yes - and EVs are often aimed at higher-end buyers. Tesla set expectations with glass roofs, and other automakers followed suit to make their vehicles feel premium and futuristic.
Amelia said:
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Also, glass roofs can offer more headroom while making the cars shorter, which improves aerodynamics and helps with range.
Amelia said:
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Also, glass roofs can offer more headroom while making the cars shorter, which improves aerodynamics and helps with range.
Exactly! A glass roof is thinner than a metal roof and headliner, which means the car can be shorter but still feel spacious inside, reducing drag.
Amelia said:
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Also, glass roofs can offer more headroom while making the cars shorter, which improves aerodynamics and helps with range.
As an Australian, I hate the idea. The less sun, the better.
olivia said:
Amelia said:
Manufacturers entering a market often benchmark the leading product, and the Chinese learned to love big glass roofs (and screens) from Tesla.
Also, glass roofs can offer more headroom while making the cars shorter, which improves aerodynamics and helps with range.
As an Australian, I hate the idea. The less sun, the better.
I had a Tesla Model Y with a glass roof. In the Midwest, it was fine, but after moving to the Southeast US, I switched to a car with a solid roof, and it’s quieter and cooler.
I have an Ioniq 5 with a sunroof, and my kids love how it makes the car feel bigger when open. You can also close it when it gets too sunny.
zendaya said:
I have an Ioniq 5 with a sunroof, and my kids love how it makes the car feel bigger when open. You can also close it when it gets too sunny.
Same here. I love it in the winter for the extra sunlight, but I close it in the summer when it’s too hot.
I’m in Australia and can’t stand them. Even with good air conditioning, the top of my head boils in summer. After-market sunshades don’t offer the same insulation as a proper roof.
Robert said:
I’m in Australia and can’t stand them. Even with good air conditioning, the top of my head boils in summer. After-market sunshades don’t offer the same insulation as a proper roof.
High-quality heat-blocking film works wonders, or you could even put a white wrap on the outside of the glass roof to block heat.
Imagine if the glass roof had integrated solar panels. That could power the heat pump and keep the car cool all day in hot climates.
I had to pay extra for a sunroof, and my family loves it.