An electrochromic device is achieved that exhibits the characteristics of impact-resistant safety glass by starting with a solid electrolyte sheet material and a peripheral sealant material sandwiched between substrates to heat and pressure such that the electrolyte bonds to the treated surfaces of the substrates with an adhesion of at least 1.8 kg/linear cm width causing the electrolyte to exhibit a tensile strength of at least 5 kg/cm2.