20 degrees cooler inside (roof / windshield tint/film)

[SASSquatch]

FWIW I did an experiment in the Model 3 when it first came out. Had all the windows except the roof and windshield tinted with the 3M clear IR blocking. Then set it side by side with a completely untinted Model 3, cooled them both down to 70 and waited. Both cars heated at identical rates within 1 degree.

As it turned out, the windshield was the enemy. It is such a big piece of untinted glass that it overwhelms everything else whereas the roof actually had very good IR blocking. Might be different in the RIvian, but based on my Model 3 trial, I would aim for all the windows and windshield first.

Windshields are laminated and have a PVB middle layer that prevents shattering of glass and also blocks nearly all UV spectra.

Side and back windows are a different story and let in a significant amount of UV. I tint all of my windows, except the windshield, including the factory tinted windows which even though dark, aren't rejecting as much UV as you think.

For the windshield, I prefer using a sunshade because it has the added benefit of privacy and it is a fraction of the cost of tinting your windshield.

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[kizamybute']

Windshields are laminated and have a PVB middle layer that prevents shattering of glass and also blocks nearly all UV spectra.

Side and back windows are a different story and let in a significant amount of UV. I tint all of my windows, except the windshield, including the factory tinted windows which even though dark, aren't rejecting as much UV as you think.

For the windshield, I prefer using a sunshade because it has the added benefit of privacy and it is a fraction of the cost of tinting your windshield.

https://evannex.com/collections/accessories-for-rivian-r1t/sunshade
https://www.high-end-motorsports.com/rivian-r1t-sun-shade.html

A viable option for many. Being that I work out of my vehicle and am in and out at least 10 times a day, last thing I want to do is grab a windshield shade, put it in place, then take it down and put it away 10 times a day, 20 when considering having to do something twice for each stop. Whatever of my choices (not the side or back window tint because it still got very hot with those done) made the difference (roof or windshield or combination of both), I'm quite happy with the result. 20 degrees is a BIG difference and certainly tolerable.

I've seen a few buy window shades for the roof too, but to me, they ruin the look of the nice clean interior. While they certainly will work. I want something I don't have to think about or put in and take out for every drive. Not as big of a big deal for many that drive to and from work primarily. For someone like me, would get old quick.

 

[SASSquatch]

I viable option for many. Being that I work out of my vehicle and am in and out at least 10 times a day, last thing I want to do is grab a windshield shade, put it in place, then take it down and it away 10 times a day, 20 when considering having to do something twice for each stop. Whatever of my choices (not the side or back window tint because it still got very hot with those done) made the difference (roof or windshield or combination of both), I'm quite happy with the result. 20 degrees is a BIG difference and certainly tolerable.

I've seen a few buy window shades for the roof too, but to me, they ruin the look of the nice clean interior. While they certainly will work. I want something I don't have to think about or put in and take out for every drive. Not as big of a big deal for many that drive to and from work primarily. For someone like me, would get old quick.

The shade viability will be use case specific. In your use case, I agree completely that it wouldn't make much sense.

For those, however, that are looking to prevent their car from turning into a Kenny Rogers Roasters Oven after sitting in the sun for several hours, the shades are effective and inexpensive.

 

[Surferdude]

I am planning to put two layers of the darkest, most reflective mirror tint available on the outside of the roof glass. This should immediately reflect as much possible UV and heat from entering the cabin. The obvious downside is that the tint will likely be scratched and damaged over time but it'll be cheap to replace when the time comes.

While placing tint on the inside of the glass won't be nearly as effective, I do also plan to put the darkest available regular tint (one layer) on the inside of the roof glass. Just for good measure.

My goal is to try to make the glass roof mimic as much as possible a standard solid metal roof with insulation, an option Rivian sadly didn't provide.

 

[iansriv]

Wonder how difficult it would be to replace the roof with a different material such as carbon fibre?

 

[rodhx]

I am planning to put two layers of the darkest, most reflective mirror tint available on the outside of the roof glass. This should immediately reflect as much possible UV and heat from entering the cabin. The obvious downside is that the tint will likely be scratched and damaged over time but it'll be cheap to replace when the time comes.

While placing tint on the inside of the glass won't be nearly as effective, I do also plan to put the darkest available regular tint (one layer) on the inside of the roof glass. Just for good measure.

My goal is to try to make the glass roof mimic as much as possible a standard solid metal roof with insulation, an option Rivian sadly didn't provide.

If you're trying to mimic a metal roof why not simply put solid black wrap on the outside of the roof glass. One layer & done, and from the outside most folks will never realize it's not glass. Should cost less than $50 for the material...probably much less.

 

[kizamybute']

Wonder how difficult it would be to replace the roof with a different material such as carbon fibre?

probably pretty expensive. First, have to find someone to cut it down to size. Not cheap. Then install it. Also not cheap. IF you want carbon fiber, going to be really expensive. Guessing at least $8,000 to $10,000 to replace the glass.

 

[fastwheels]

The shade viability will be use case specific. In your use case, I agree completely that it wouldn't make much sense.

For those, however, that are looking to prevent their car from turning into a Kenny Rogers Roasters Oven after sitting in the sun for several hours, the shades are effective and inexpensive.

Using removable sunshades allow those of us in the North to retain some solar heat gain in the Winter months!

 

[yizzung]

Waiting on one the forum scientists (professional or otherwise) to do something fancy with a spectrometer or UV camera or oven thermometer (along the lines of the charging curve analyses).

Some suggest that the roof is the source of the heat and others say it’s negligible. Some say it’s the windshield and the front windows. Some say tint the top of the roof, others say bottom. There’s existing tint on roof glass and rear windows but unclear of the specs of the existing materials (ceramic?)

Surely science can come to the rescue? ? ? ??

 

[Aroohoo]

Waiting on one the forum scientists (professional or otherwise) to do something fancy with a spectrometer or UV camera or oven thermometer (along the lines of the charging curve analyses).

Some suggest that the roof is the source of the heat and others say it’s negligible. Some say it’s the windshield and the front windows. Some say tint the top of the roof, others say bottom. There’s existing tint on roof glass and rear windows but unclear of the specs of the existing materials (ceramic?)

Surely science can come to the rescue? ? ? ??

Someone posted a data they took from a light spectrometer the used during their First Drive event (I believe it was in Dallas, looking for the post now but search isn't being friendly). I believe the conclusion was that the amount of IR/non visible transmittance through the sunroof was at the level that heat gain would not be insubstantial.


Edit:
Found the thread:
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...n-efficiency-measured-first-mile-dallas.4506/

 

[mabowden]

I'm guessing it was more the windshield too. But, my Tesla with no windshield protection, never got that hot inside, at least not has hot as this thing did. My notable question mark was again, the fact that the Rivian's roof sounds more like a plastic than a glass. Maybe it is glass and just sounds that way because it's such a big single piece? But, it has the echo of a plastic material rather than the solid thunk you get when knocking on glass? Hoping to never break one and find out what it is!!!

The roof and windshield were more expensive to do than doing all the doors and rear window. Bigger single pieces I guess.

I've been using the same tinter for quite some time. Lifetime warranty, but they don't use the "brand name" 3M tint. Actually, I think they offer it, but I've never chosen it. I personally have never noticed a difference. For me, tint is tint. Lifetime warranty is a lifetime warranty. I paid $360 to tint the doors and rear window. $400 to tint the roof and windshield. They did my Tesla for $450 (doors and rear window). A friend of mine wanted the "brand name" stuff (3M and paid $1,200 for his car).

Plus my guys are mobile and come to me. Been using them for at least 15 years. Never had a problem not using the fancy tint. If you're in the L.A. area and need someone, send me a PM and I'll give you their contact info.

Not all tints are creating equal. Not saying you need to use 3M film as it can be expensive, but it's important to at least make sure you are using quality ceramic tint. Overall heat rejection is the key, and the more metallic (more expensive) the tint is, the more heat rejection you will see. A high quality clear ceramic tint will reject more heat than the cheap dark stuff.

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

I am planning to put two layers of the darkest, most reflective mirror tint available on the outside of the roof glass. This should immediately reflect as much possible UV and heat from entering the cabin. The obvious downside is that the tint will likely be scratched and damaged over time but it'll be cheap to replace when the time comes.

While placing tint on the inside of the glass won't be nearly as effective, I do also plan to put the darkest available regular tint (one layer) on the inside of the roof glass. Just for good measure.

My goal is to try to make the glass roof mimic as much as possible a standard solid metal roof with insulation, an option Rivian sadly didn't provide.

Rivian says their roof glass reflects quite a lot of UV. If I recall correctly their number was 98% or 99% of UV. So you may not want to do this. As others have said in this thread above, the roof glass does not appear to be the problem, but rather the windshield.

 

[zefram47]

I don't know why this is so difficult. IR is what transmits heat, not UV. Yes, you want to block UV to protect materials from fading ad degradation, but IR is what's important if you want to block heat.

 

[DJG]

A shade would not be ideal, but at least it's a material that can "trap" the air being heated to a confined space and presumably be composed of a material that reflects the heat (not allowing it to move into the cabin and cook like an oven.) I assume a reflective film on the outside of the sunroof glass would be just about optimal for IR rejection.

But it's not needed, the sun hitting the roof doesn't heat up the cabin to any appreciable amount that can be measured without the aid of sensitive high tech equipment. Parking it in direct sunlight is the equivalent of parking it in a completely shaded area.

 

[yizzung]

I don't know why this is so difficult.

Because I studied marketing and finance...

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