Color-changing automotive technology is an emerging and promising research field that has the potential to completely transform the automotive industry.
How Do Color-Changing Cars Work?
The first publicly unveiled color-changing vehicle is the BMW iX Flow, which premiered at CES 2022 in Las Vegas.
Marketed as the “first color-changing car in the world”, this model allows users to switch the car’s exterior color between black, white, or various shades with just a push of a button. Consequently, drivers can choose white on hot days to reflect sunlight and black on cold days to absorb warmth.
It operates using Electronic Paper Display (EPD) technology. The vehicle is coated with a layer of electrophoretic film containing millions of tiny capsules, no wider than a human hair. Each capsule holds negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments, which only display when an appropriate electric field is applied.
Comprising millions of microcapsules containing two different types of colored ink. When voltage is applied, these capsules move, displaying the corresponding colors. The electronic ink is coated over the iX Flow’s body, creating a thin layer, thus enabling users to change colors via a mobile app or a button inside the vehicle.
BMW and the Vision DEE
At CES 2023, BMW introduced another new color-changing model – BMW i Vision Dee – which can produce all the colors of the rainbow, not just solid colors. This vehicle employs similar technology to the iX Flow but is capable of displaying up to 32 different colors.
The i Vision Dee’s body consists of 240 different segments that change colors independently, allowing the vehicle to showcase multi-colored patterns. All commands can be issued through voice control and will be executed within seconds.
The letter “Dee” in the name stands for Digital Emotional Experience, which BMW states emphasizes their hope to “strengthen the emotional connection between cars and humans.”
“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what can happen when hardware and software are combined. In this way, we can harness the full potential of digitization to transform cars into intelligent companions. This is the future for automakers – and for BMW: a blend of virtual experiences with the joy of driving,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of BMW AG, in a statement.
The vehicle’s exterior is coated with an E Ink film, consisting of millions of microcapsules containing different colored particles that can change color when powered. The surface of the vehicle is divided into 240 segments, each controllable independently. This allows for a wide range of patterns and colors to be created, which can change within seconds. The BMW i Vision Dee can display up to 32 different colors. This technology expands the color range from black and white to the entire spectrum. This color-changing feature is part of a series of functionalities that BMW believes will create a stronger bond between humans and their vehicles.
Color-Changing Car Regulations
Legal frameworks and regulations may pose obstacles to the market introduction of color-changing vehicles. Currently, there are no laws specifically addressing vehicles that can change color instantly through electrical means.
However, under current regulations in the United States, car owners must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and their insurance provider if they change the primary color of their vehicle. Similarly, in the UK, drivers must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and their insurance company.
It remains unclear how this framework will apply to cars that can change color instantly with a simple voice command.
Electronic Paper Display (EPD), also known as electronic paper, is a type of reflective display that uses electronic microcapsule technology to present images and text. EPD screens mimic paper, providing a natural and comfortable reading experience.
Key Features of EPD Displays
- Reflective Display: EPD displays do not emit light but utilize ambient light to present images, reducing eye strain and making them suitable for extended reading sessions.
- Energy Efficient: EPD displays only consume power when changing images, helping to conserve battery life.
- Wide Viewing Angles: EPD displays can be clearly viewed from multiple angles, even under direct sunlight.
- High Contrast: EPD displays produce deep blacks and bright whites, offering sharp and clear images.
- Durability: EPD displays are resistant to impact, scratches, and water, enhancing their lifespan.
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