Electrochromic mirrors and devices

An electrochromic rearview mirror for a motor vehicle comprising;

• (a) a first substantially transparent substrate coated with a substantially transparent conductive electrode coating on its inward surface;
• (b) a second substantially transparent substrate with a substantially transparent conductive electrode coating on its inward surface, said second substrate positioned in spaced-apart relationship with said substrate of (a);
• (c) a layer of reflective material coated onto the non-inward opposite surface of said substrate of (b);
• (d) an ultraviolet radiation vulnerable electrochromic solid film coated onto said substantially transparent conductive electrode coating of said substrate of (b);
• (e) a sealing means positioned toward a peripheral edge of each of said substrate of (a) and said substrate of (b) and sealingly forming a cavity therebetween;
• (f) an electrolyte comprising a redox reaction promoter and wherein said electrolyte is located within said cavity in front of said electrochromic solid film forming an electrochromic element whereby said electrolyte shields said electrochromic solid film from ultraviolet radiation;
• and
• (g) a means for introducing an applied potential to said electrochromic element to controllably cause a variation in the amount of light reflected from said mirror.