Large contrast ratio and rapid switching laminated electrochromic (EC) polymer device includes transparent electrode, cathodic EC polymer, gel electrolyte, and counter-electrode. Preferably the cathodic EC polymer is a poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) derivative, PProDOT-Me₂. Counter-electrode is a conductive coating deposited on transparent substrate, with preferred coatings including gold and highly conductive carbon. Lithography and sputtering can be employed to pattern a gold layer, while screen printing can be employed to similarly pattern graphite. Empirical studies of preferred device indicate a color change of high contrast ratio of transmittance (50% T) is rapidly (0.5-1 s) obtained upon applied 2.5V, repeatable to at least 10,000 times, as estimated by electrochemistry. Dual layer EC devices including PProDOT-Me₂ are also disclosed, as are methods for synthesizing preferred EC polymers. Preferred synthesis method for obtaining PProDOT-Me₂ involves refluxing reagents in toluene in the presence of catalyst, while continually removing methanol byproduct from refluxing solution.