Today, POVEC is announcing its entry into the performance eyewear market with the launch of its first model, the C1. Designed specifically for use by athletes and outdoorspeople in rapidly changing light conditions, the brand hopes to set itself apart from the competition with its “revolutionary solid-state electrochromic lenses.” In fact, POVEC says that the C1 is the “first to market” with this lens technology, which can instantly shift your lens tint — between Cat 2 and Cat 3 — with the touch of your finger.
“With the C1, we aren’t just launching new sunglasses, we are introducing a new way of managing light,” said James Zhang, PhD in Optical Science and R&D Director at POVEC. “The C1 is our opening statement in performance eyewear and proves that the technology is effective and ideal for performance optics and athletes. Our ultimate vision for POVEC is to bring electrochromic optics to a wide variety of sport and consumer uses.”
POVEC C1 Electrochromic Sunglasses
With a lightweight TR90 frame and a large cylindrical lens, the POVEC C1 glasses look like many other cycling sunglasses. Hidden in the frame, however, is a touch sensor and a small battery to control and power the solid-state electrochromic lens. With a swipe of the finger, users can instantly switch between Cat 2 (37% VLT) and Cat 3 (9% VLT) as light conditions change. While that VLT range isn’t quite as wide as many of the photochromic options on the market, it covers the bright to medium light conditions that most people are likely to encounter during the day.
Of course, the “electro” in electrochromic means that there is electricity involved, and the C1 sunglasses will need to be charged occasionally. Fortunately, the claimed battery life is “up to 28 days based on 4 hours of daily use.” Charging the 40mAh battery reportedly takes 2 hours for a full charge. The battery and electronics are IP65 rated for water resistance. Despite the internal battery and electrochromic lens tech, the claimed weight of the C1 glasses is 36 grams.
In addition to the electrochromic technology, POVEC says its lenses provide UV400 protection and enhanced optics to provide sharper definition and increased contrast in changing light conditions. The solid-state lens has also been engineered to provide impact protection and has been tested to the ANSI Z87.1 standards for sport optics. POVEC includes three interchangeable nose pads to customize the fit. They are available with Arctic White, Matte Black, or Denim Blue frames, with Gold Revo or Green Revo lenses.
Specs and Features
- 1-Second Tint Control: Instant adjustments in approximately one second, bypassing UV exposure delays.
- Dual Manual Tint Modes: Seamlessly toggle between Clear Mode (Category CAT 2 for lower-light/overcast conditions) and Dark Mode (Category CAT 3 for high-glare/bright sunlight).
- Solid-State Optical Protection: A fully solid-state lens system tested to ANSI Z87.1 drop-ball and high-velocity impact standards for sport-ready protection.
- Ultralight TR90 Frame: A flexible, durable wraparound frame weighing approximately 36 grams, tailored for long rides and runners.
- Extended Outdoor Battery Life: Up to 28 days of battery life based on 4 hours of daily use, featuring modern USB-C charging and optional Bluetooth control.
- IP65 Weather Resistance: Built to completely resist rain, dust, sweat, and changing outdoor conditions.
Electrochromic vs. Photochromic
Photochromic lenses have been around for years and are preferred by many riders for their versatility and adaptability in changing light conditions. But photochromic lenses don’t change tint instantly; they typically take anywhere between 20 and 60 seconds to respond to changes in UV exposure.
Electrochromic lenses take the photochromic concept a step further, allowing users to change tint instantly and on demand. This requires a very small amount of electricity, of course, but the lens tint changes in less than a second, basically as long as it takes to swipe your finger on the temple of the sunglasses.
Development
According to POVEC, the C1’s “optics are powered by the advanced technology of Ambilight, an innovator in the automotive sector that developed solid-state electrochromic programs for Audi and BYD.” Given its use in the automotive industry, they say the technology has already been thoroughly tested in harsh conditions and extreme environments.
POVEC says that adapting the technology from its automotive applications to sports optics took three years of research and development. After multiple iterations and comprehensive field testing, the engineering team was able to adapt the technology to a light and compact form factor capable of being integrated into performance eyewear.
First to Market?
On the C1 product page on the POVEC website, the brand says these are “the world’s first electrochromic sunglasses.” That’s a dubious claim at best, given that I tested the Chamelo Shield electrochromic sunglasses last year, and they’ve been on the market for longer than that. Perhaps POVEC is referring specifically to their solid-state electrochromic lenses, but it isn’t entirely clear. Regardless, the POVEC C1 is among the first performance sunglasses to feature electrochromic lens technology.
Pricing and Availability
POVEC’s first product, the C1 Electrochromic sunglasses, retail for $249 and are available now. To learn more about the sunglasses, electrochromic technology, or the brand, head to the POVEC website.
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