Las Vegas — BMW showcased at CES 2022, an all-electric sports activity vehicle called the BMW iX Flow, which features, instead of paint, an E Ink digital paper coating, which is intended to maximize personalization possibilities.
The E Ink Prism on the concept car is able to change colors while maintaining the electric car ethos of low-power consumption. The design film was developed by the brand E Ink, which works primarily with architecture and design markets.
The BMW iX Flow model on display showed an ability to shift from white to dark grey/black; however, the intent would allow users to program the colors, patterns, and materials to their personal preference. As seen in the concept demo, the pigments move up and down to facilitate the changing of the colors. That is a part of the E Ink technology, similar to how a printer works.
“Most displays emit light. E Ink does not – it reflects ambient light in its surroundings. This gives the display a paint-like appearance and a natural visual experience,” BMW AVP, US Regional Business Unit, Tim O’Malley said in a statement.
“The electronic ink is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules that are filled with white and black pigments – the same ink pigments used in the printing industry today,” he added.
Since the e-ink does not absorb light, it would also add to energy efficiency on the BMW iX Flow. In concept, BMW imagines the E Ink would naturally shift to white on hot days to reflect sunlight from the vehicle and to black on cold days, overall reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the interior.
