How It Works - Color Changing BMW iX E Ink

The fluid color changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different color pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired coloration. Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for."

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle's appearance in line with the driver's aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink demonstrates this potential to impressive effect. Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles.

Already today, the color chosen for a car is an expression of the driver's personality. The choice of exterior paints available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance. New variants are added each year that reflect the characteristics of the model in question and that allow the brand to keep setting trends in the area of exterior design.

A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle's air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle's fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the color in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, far example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E lnk technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen color state constant. Current only flows during the short color changing phase.

#bmw

[peterlbaldwin]

WOW.. BMW have got one huge step forward in designing the "perfect" "getaway" car..!!

[xxmrspudgunsxx]

"With E-ink, the possibilities are endless"

Black or white, take it or leave it

[jrpcoins]

I can't wait to look like a giant strobe light while driving down the freeway listening to a YouTube House mix!

[euro-dev]

Despite the fact that this is not in my field of study, I am so so passionate about it and i am waiting for it to get more advanced

[ThomasPH]

Imagine the cost to repair just a simple door dink.

[Dewoy]

The future truely is now. I just can´t stop thinking the military technology this was probably getting taken from. And how far they are using similar stuff in black projects. It looks nuts already!

[noname-codm]

Imagine color changing clothes. From black to white and white to black

[spray_cheese]

I been telling people this is gonna happen but people kept saying it’s impossible

[nobudgetmemes]

it’s ecologically beneficial to the environment too!? That’s a big win win

[kikoy]

Imagine bumping or scratching your panel..😅😅😅

[PoisonousChannel]

Imagine putting your car into sport mode and racing stripes pop up lol

[gavrilopricip]

Finally, a way to make police car chases more sporting!!!!

[Wennoworks]

Good luck having this stand up to snow

[crazyjorgegeppetto]

This wouldn't be distracting at all seeing this while driving

[bensharp]

Man this guy's aljirithm is going far!

[Man_in_a_Gucci_Suit]

So there’s a fluid in the triangles stimulated by electricity?

How will this hold up in the Arizona or Texas sun of 100 degrees or more in the summer some days?

[b]

Just another thing to go wrong, and this means more expense. I’m a strong believer in keeping it simple. Car manufacturers seem to have lost this perspective. People nowadays want all technology in their cars just like their phones. A car needs to be firstly reliable, then fun, then good looking, refined, then last of all stupid gadgets. That’s my opinion anyway

[magnaknight]

I wonder how much does it cost, and where can you get the materials to make it?

[orlandoarriaga]

Lol imagine having to repair it once it breaks, or one panel stops functioning your car will look weird😅

[elementkx]

As if BMW's aren't cheap to maintain already...