BMW is driving innovation in automotive design with its integration of E Ink Prism's color-shifting electronic paper, first showcased at CES 2022. The concept car, which could transition between black and white, captivated audiences. Now, BMW plans to bring this groundbreaking technology to market by 2027, according to company engineer Stella Clarke, initially offering the feature as an option in luxury models.
At the following year's CES, BMW expanded on the concept, debuting the i Vision DEE, featuring E Ink Prism 3. This advanced version showcased dynamic, multicolor transitions, creating a striking visual experience and opening new possibilities for personalization in automotive design.
The collaboration between BMW and E Ink underscores a shift toward customizable, interactive designs across industries. E Ink's versatile technology has already found applications in diverse products, from smart toilets to robotic dogs, hinting at future uses beyond the automotive sector.
Despite challenges, such as meeting safety regulations and ensuring durability in extreme conditions, BMW remains committed to commercializing the technology. Clarke emphasized its low power consumption—around 20 watts, comparable to a car's interior light—with the added benefit that colors persist even when the vehicle is off.
E Ink's color-changing technology is also making waves in consumer electronics. At CES 2024, Lenovo and Transsion showcased laptops and smartphones with customizable designs. Lenovo's ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 SPE allows users to personalize its cover with over 1,000 images without affecting battery life, while Transsion's E-Color Shift Technology offers real-time color and pattern changes on a phone's surface using 60 micro-units, all without continuous power consumption.
As BMW leads the charge, this technology is poised to redefine personalization in both the automotive and consumer electronics sectors, promising a future where personal devices and vehicles can adapt their appearance to suit individual preferences and occasions.
