After experiencing the electronic rearview mirror, I will tell you whether this thing is a gimmick or a real trend?
If you see such a rearview mirror on the road, without a mirror, but only a "stick" sticking out, don't feel strange, this is an electronic rearview mirror, which can now be legally used on the road. In the second half of 2023, the regulations for electronic rearview mirrors will be opened, and a batch of new cars have been installed with electronic rearview mirrors, ranging from the million-level EMEYA Fanhua to the 100,000-level BAIC New Cube. So is the electronic rearview mirror a "fairy invention" or a "chicken rib function" with only gimmicks?
First, let's talk about its advantages.
The first is the magnification of the field of view. The traditional rearview mirror has a fixed field of view, which is inevitably limited. The electronic rearview mirror uses an electronic camera, which can be used for wide-angle shooting, and has functions such as blind spot monitoring, which can present the content of a larger field of view on the display screen in the car, and can also be used according to different usage scenarios such as vehicle speed and reverse parking. For example, when the vehicle speed is high, the rearview mirror field of view becomes larger, so that the rear and other lane vehicles can be observed; when the vehicle speed is low, the rearview mirror field of view is reduced, which can better judge the distance from the vehicle next to it and avoid scratches; when the vehicle is reversed into the garage, the rearview mirror field of view is downward, focusing on the rear wheels of the vehicle, which is more convenient for parking. Therefore, in terms of the breadth and flexibility of vision, electronic rearview mirrors have certain advantages.
Better night vision. When the light is dim at night, if the vehicle is covered with film, the field of view of traditional rearview mirrors at night may be limited. Electronic exterior rearview mirrors will not be affected by this, and the field of view at night is relatively clear.
Less affected by bad weather. Friends who drive know that when it rains, traditional rearview mirrors are full of raindrops and the field of view is limited. Electronic exterior rearview mirrors have a smaller area and can be kept clear by heating and other means. In addition, they have better penetration in rain, snow and foggy days.
Reduce wind resistance and add a sense of technology. Traditional rearview mirrors are large in size, while electronic rearview mirrors are much smaller, which can greatly reduce wind resistance. This is one of the reasons why some high-end sports cars choose electronic exterior rearview mirrors. In addition, the design level is more technological and futuristic.
Having said so many advantages, of course it is not without disadvantages. First of all, there is a threshold to get started, and you need to adapt. Many friends said they were a little uncomfortable after using it for the first time. After all, compared with traditional rearview mirrors, the position of the display screen of the electronic rearview mirror in the car is somewhat different. The right side has a small deviation because it is far away, so there is no need to adapt. The left rearview mirror is closer, and usually you need to lower your head slightly to see the display screen on the door panel. When I first got started, I would subconsciously look out the window, so it takes some time to get used to it.
The maintenance cost is high. The rearview mirror is the position where the car is more often scratched. After all, the electronic exterior rearview mirror is an electronic component. Once it breaks, the maintenance cost will inevitably increase, especially now that it has not been widely used. So it is better for everyone to get insurance, which is more reassuring.
Will there be jamming, freezing, etc. After all, this is an electronic product. Compared with the traditional "mirror", will there be delays, jamming, freezing, etc. From the current experience of the car models, the screen delay is relatively rare, which is also defined in the regulations and standards. As for the delay and freeze issues, it will take time to test.