Electrochromic Glass Firm Raises Funds for Auto Production

中科电墨 (Zhongke Dianmo), a Chinese innovator in electrochromic (EC) materials, has successfully closed a pre-Series A funding round totaling tens of millions of RMB (approximately $6.89 million USD). The investment was exclusively led by 西安龙鼎投资 (Xi'an Longding Investment). This capital infusion is earmarked for the construction of automotive-grade EC production lines, further refinement of core material science, and expansion into the automotive sector.

The automotive industry's pivot towards enhanced intelligence and passenger comfort is driving demand for advanced glass functionalities. As panoramic sunroofs become increasingly prevalent, smart tinting glass is emerging as a key differentiator for automakers. Electrochromic technology stands out among current solutions like PDLC and SPD due to its superior performance characteristics. Unlike light-scattering methods, EC technology leverages reversible electrochemical reactions to precisely control light transmission, offering continuous dimming, minimal haze, excellent thermal insulation by blocking infrared radiation, and significantly lower power consumption.

Founded in 2023, 中科电墨 has focused on developing proprietary EC materials. The company's chief scientist, Dr. Ma Mingming, brings over two decades of expertise in conductive polymer research, having pioneered the core material system in 2017. This in-house development has allowed 中科电墨 to break free from reliance on a few dominant overseas suppliers, achieving substantial cost reductions while enhancing material performance. According to company representative Zhang Ying, their proprietary core materials are priced at approximately one-fifth the cost of comparable international offerings.

中科电墨's EC products boast impressive specifications, including over 99% UV and IR rejection, and are engineered to meet automotive longevity standards exceeding 15 years. The technology enables rapid transitions, with large automotive sunroofs shifting from transparent to dark states in under 90 seconds, a marked improvement over existing multi-minute processes. Furthermore, the low operating voltage requirement of approximately ±1.5V, comparable to a button cell battery, significantly reduces the overall energy burden on vehicles, a critical factor in the electric vehicle era.

Beyond material innovation, 中科电墨 has optimized its manufacturing processes. By adopting a roll-to-roll coating integrated with continuous vacuum deposition, the company has boosted yield rates from an industry average of around 70% to over 92%. This advanced manufacturing approach also contributes to a nearly 30% reduction in overall production costs, making large-scale adoption more feasible. The company is currently constructing its first automotive-grade flexible production line in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, with an initial investment of approximately 40 million RMB, targeting an annual capacity of over 600,000 square meters to support 1-2 vehicle models.

While the automotive sector is the primary strategic focus, 中科电墨 is also exploring applications in architectural glass, consumer electronics (such as AR glasses and smart helmets), and specialized equipment. The company anticipates its automotive business will reach mass production by 2027, supported by the new production facility. 西安龙鼎投资's Mr. Zhao Cong highlighted the broad market potential for EC materials, aligning with national strategies for domestic material self-sufficiency, and expressed confidence in 中科电墨's technological edge and market entry speed.