By Graham Blundell from Roof Motors, the UK’s premier roof motor suppliers
Let There Be Light: The Unexpected Hero in EV Innovation
We spend a lot of time talking about batteries. Charging networks. The range war. But zoom out a little, and some of the most intriguing evolutions in electric vehicles are hiding in plain sight—like above your head. Yes, we’re talking about sunroofs. More specifically, the motors that drive them.
Once just a flashy option for top-trim models, sunroofs in electric vehicles (EVs) have quietly become an unlikely battleground for innovation. Today’s sunroof motor isn’t just opening a bit of glass—it’s a microcosm of everything that defines modern EVs: weight-saving design, smart tech integration, and silent efficiency. The humble sunroof motor has levelled up.
Let’s take a closer look at how this component is moving the needle in the UK’s rapidly maturing EV sector.
Smarter Than You Think: From Button to Brain
Gone are the days when opening a sunroof meant nothing more than hitting a chunky switch. Today, it’s more like talking to your car. Many EVs come with motors wired into the broader brain of the vehicle. Think voice commands, smartphone apps, and even sun position sensors.
Take the BMW iX. Say, “I need some fresh air,” and the car slides the roof open via its Intelligent Personal Assistant. Tesla, meanwhile, doesn’t even give you a sunroof in the traditional sense anymore—its panoramic glass roofs are fixed, with embedded UV and infrared protection. But where sliding panels do exist, like in the Polestar 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 5, they’re tightly integrated into the vehicle OS.
And this isn’t just for show. Smart motor systems tie into cabin temperature control, route prediction, and energy management. In short: your sunroof is thinking harder than you might imagine.
The Weight Game: Why Every Gram Counts
Ask any EV engineer what keeps them up at night and they’ll probably say, “weight.” Batteries are heavy. Really heavy. So manufacturers are obsessed with shedding kilos wherever they can. That’s where modern sunroof motor systems come into play.
Newer units are more compact, more powerful, and made from featherweight materials like magnesium alloys and carbon composites. Continental AG has led the way here, developing next-gen sunroof motors specifically tailored for EV use. Brushless motors, less wiring, and modular integration into ECUs all mean less mass and more efficiency.
This is no small matter. A traditional sunroof system can add 25–35kg to a car. That impacts acceleration, range, and even tyre wear. So, streamlining the mechanism isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
What It Means for the UK Motor Trade
From a trade perspective, this isn’t just technical trivia. It affects everything from training and tooling to sales strategies.
First, there’s the aftermarket. While EVs tend to require less maintenance overall, sunroofs are still moving parts. Motors fail. Seals wear out. And in smart systems, reprogramming might be needed as much as a new actuator. Dealers and garages that get ahead on diagnostic tech and OEM calibration tools will be better positioned.
Second, we’re seeing changing buyer behaviour. According to a 2024 YouGov Auto UK study, nearly 4 in 10 EV buyers said a panoramic sunroof was a “major selling point.” Not a nice-to-have. A must.
And then there’s the resale game. EVs with smart sunroof systems—especially those bundled in premium trim packs—retain more value. The VW ID.4 Max, for instance, holds up to 3% more in retained value than its base-spec siblings, largely because of creature comforts like the glass roof.
Real Cars, Real Integration
Let’s ground this in reality. Here are a few models making the most of their sunroof tech:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Vision Roof with a clean, uninterrupted glass panel. The motor system is whisper-quiet and tucked into the slim frame to reduce bulk.
- Volvo EX30 Ultra: Panoramic roof, smart shading, and seamless integration with the car’s central touchscreen and app.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS: Electrochromic roof glass with motors that not only open the roof but alter its opacity in real-time.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium: Panoramic fixed-glass roof, but the trend signals Ford’s direction: reduce moving parts, increase functionality.
Some systems even link with rain sensors or GPS triggers to auto-close the sunroof before a storm or when approaching high-speed roads. Clever stuff.
Software and Security: It’s Not Just Hardware Anymore
As cars become software-defined, sunroof motors are no exception. Most are now tied into Body Control Modules (BCMs), the central nervous system that also controls lights, windows, and wipers.
That means technicians need more than a socket set. OTA (Over-the-Air) updates can adjust motor behaviour, like how far the roof opens based on speed. Cybersecurity is even a factor—some systems have encrypted communication protocols to avoid unauthorised commands.
For independents in the UK, this means investment. Access to manufacturer software, compatible diagnostics gear, and knowledge of programming routines is no longer a luxury. It’s the new normal.
The Bigger Picture: Market Trends
According to MarkWide Research, the global sunroof market is heading toward £25bn by 2033—and EVs are a major driver. The tech isn’t just catching up with internal combustion cars; it’s leapfrogging them.
In the UK, EVs made up 22.3% of new car sales in 2024, per SMMT data. And more models, from MG to Mercedes, now offer smart sunroof systems in their mid-range trims. The logic is simple: offer the premium feel of a luxury cabin without the running costs.
This opens up opportunities:
- For suppliers: More demand for compact, modular, lightweight motor systems
- For dealers: Clearer up-sell value in mid-spec trims with tech packs
- For repairers: An edge for those trained in EV-specific sunroof diagnostics
Final Thoughts: A Clear View Ahead
In an industry obsessed with range, price, and performance, it’s easy to miss the smaller stories. But the story of the sunroof motor is a lesson in how EVs are redefining every corner of the car.
What was once a bolt-on luxury is now a sophisticated system at the intersection of comfort, efficiency, and smart tech. For the UK trade—from dealership floor to garage ramp—that makes it a feature worth watching closely.
Because when it comes to electric vehicles, the difference between good and great might just be the view overhead.
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