BMW develops car system to change body color with the push of a button

BMW is advancing a groundbreaking technology that could allow car exteriors to change color at the press of a button. The company first showcased this concept at CES 2022, demonstrating a vehicle capable of switching between black and white, and has since developed multi-color and patterned versions.

The latest iteration of this color-changing technology, named E Ink, was featured on an iX3 model. This system enables animations and various designs to be displayed on the car's hood, controlled by a simple button press, according to Revija HAK. The technology operates using millions of microcapsules embedded within the car's surface. These capsules contain pigments that respond to electrical signals, altering their arrangement to create different colors or graphics. The principle is similar to that used in e-book readers.

BMW believes this innovative solution could offer significant practical advantages. Lighter exterior colors in the summer could absorb less heat, reducing the need for air conditioning. Conversely, darker colors in winter could retain more heat, minimizing the demand for cabin heating. This could be particularly beneficial for electric vehicles, as it would conserve energy typically used for climate control, allowing more power to be directed to the drivetrain and potentially extending the vehicle's range.