With Advanced Electrochromic Technology Inspired by Luxury Cars, the Povec C1 Ensures Instant Lens Adjustment and Total UV Protection, Offering Almost a Month of Battery Life to Transform the Visual Experience of Outdoor Athletes.
Povec Optics unveiled the Povec C1 at CES 2026, electrochromic sunglasses that adjust tint in one second. The device offers tactile manual control and a battery life of 28 days, aiming to optimize the vision of athletes in varying light conditions.
Instant Light Adjustment Technology
The startup Povec Optics gained prominence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 with the announcement of the world’s first electrochromic sunglasses. The model, named Povec C1, can change color in just one second to adapt vision to light conditions.
The device uses user-oriented active control to facilitate navigation in rapidly changing light levels. A touch-sensitive strip located along the temple allows for manual tint adjustment with a simple swipe of the finger.
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The change occurs at the exact moment the user moves their finger over the strip. It is possible to select from a light tint for cloudy mornings to maximum darkness needed for desert sun, ensuring immediate versatility.
Power and Durability Specifications
The Povec C1 is designed with a focus on durability and comfort, offering up to 28 days of battery life. This estimate is based on a standard of four hours of daily use. Charging is done via a USB-C port.
The intelligent power system is automatically activated when the glasses are unfolded and enters sleep mode when stored. The frames are made of lightweight TR90 material and have an IP65 rating, making them resistant to water, sweat, and splashes.
To ensure a personalized and secure fit during extended use, the product includes three interchangeable nose pads. The design prioritizes a pressure-free fit, ideal for activities such as mountain biking, morning running, or lake rowing.
The durability of the materials addresses long-standing problems for athletes, such as “dappled light” faced by cyclists on wooded trails. Users can adjust their vision without stopping their activity, avoiding sun blindness or lack of visibility in shadows.
Automotive Origin and Lens Safety
The electrochromic technology applied in the Povec C1 is based on a multilayer system of conductive materials. These materials respond to a low-voltage electric charge, forming a technological “sandwich” that alters the lens opacity.
This mechanism is a successful miniaturization of technologies found in luxury vehicles. The concept is similar to that used in side mirrors and panoramic sunroofs of models like the Audi E5 Sportback, now adapted for a sleek eyewear structure.
Co-founder Alexis Marc Pons emphasizes that the glasses place lighting control directly in the hands of the user. The lenses prioritize long-term eye health, being equipped with UV400 protection and anti-reflective technology against harmful rays.
Rigorous testing has been applied to ensure product integrity. The lenses, made with impact-resistant materials, have undergone drop tests with steel spheres, ensuring safety and durability during outdoor sports.
Launch, Price, and Market Positioning
The Povec C1 is set to hit the market in May 2026. The expected retail price is between US$ 250 and US$ 350.
Although this is a high price for sunglasses, the device positions itself as a practical purchase for hikers, sailors, and technology enthusiasts. The product aims to eliminate the need to carry multiple pairs of glasses for different conditions.
Povec enters a market where companies like Óculos Chamelo are already operating. However, the startup differentiates itself by prioritizing high-performance utility over aesthetic novelty, focusing on solving practical visibility problems.

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