If you are passionate about cars, you have definitely stopped to think about the importance of color when choosing a vehicle, right? We know that color can say a lot about the driver’s personality, and that’s why the automotive industry is always looking for innovations. Well, BMW has decided to take a step forward and is bringing something that promises to revolutionize everything: the ability to change the color of the car with just the touch of a button! That’s right! This incredible promise was presented at events like CES, where BMW showcased prototypes that left everyone in awe. Let’s better understand how this technology can change the way we see cars.
BMW Revolutionizes the Automotive Industry with Variable Colors
You might imagine that having a car that changes color sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but BMW is moving mountains to make this a reality. During CES 2022 and 2023, the brand presented its prototypes, the BMW iX Flow and iVision Dee, which utilize a technology that almost seems magical. These models have the ability to display up to 32 different colors in body segments that can be controlled individually. It’s almost as if each one has its own mutable personality!
The idea behind this is really cool: the technology is based on a collaboration with E-Ink, a company famous for its e-reader screens. They developed a special film that contains millions of microcapsules with color particles that can be altered by applying an electric current. Thus, the color of the car can be changed quickly, depending on mood or occasion. Imagine being able to choose between a vibrant orange for a weekend outing and an elegant black for a business meeting?
And it doesn’t stop there, you know? The forecast is that this technology will be available in production models in three to five years. Developer Stella Clarke mentioned in an interview that the intention is to democratize this innovation, making it accessible to a larger number of consumers. However, initially, it will be a premium product due to the costs involved. It’s a paradigm shift that could transform the driving experience, making it even more personalized.
E-Ink: Innovative Technology for Car Painting
When we talk about E-Ink technology, what comes to mind are those displays you see on e-readers. But believe it or not, this technology extends far beyond digital books! BMW, in partnership with E-Ink, developed a film that can change color efficiently and sustainably. What’s most interesting is that the energy consumption to make this change is incredibly low, which is great for those who care about energy efficiency, right?
Clarke, who was the mind behind this innovative idea, revealed that changing the car’s color requires only 20 watts of power. This means that even when the car is turned off, the chosen color remains. Furthermore, the technology can be an ally in protecting the vehicle’s interior. For example, you can choose a light color to reflect sunlight and keep the interior cooler. What a brilliant idea!
Of course, there are challenges to be overcome before this technology hits the market. The robustness of the film concerning external factors, such as UV light and extreme temperatures, will need to be tested. Additionally, traffic regulations will need to be adjusted to ensure that the use of this technology is safe. But, undoubtedly, this innovation opens up a range of possibilities for those who love customization and technology.
