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Remember BMW’s innovative E Ink technology, which allows cars to change their exterior color instantly? An engineer involved in this development suggests that we might see it in showrooms within the next few years.
In an interview with Australia’s Drive, BMW engineer Stella Clarke stated that a timeline of “three to five years” for introducing E Ink to BMW models is realistic. Interestingly, this technology could streamline the manufacturing process, since every vehicle of a specific model would be produced with the same E Ink technology, which customers could customize to any color they prefer.
“The vision is to make this technology accessible to a wide range of customers. In our ideal scenario, a car factory wouldn’t need traditional spray-painting booths anymore; instead, every vehicle would utilize E Ink and could be any color,” Clarke explained to the publication.
Moreover, the E Ink technology is noted for being energy-efficient, with the color change for an entire vehicle requiring only about 20 watts of power—similar to what a regular light bulb consumes. However, Clarke acknowledges that the cost of E Ink may be high initially, as it incorporates materials commonly found in e-readers.
Clarke, who conceptualized E Ink during her time in lockdown, eventually pitched the idea to her employer. At the CES 2022 event, E Ink was showcased on the iX Flow, a model capable of shifting from white to black and various shades of gray. Later that year, it earned a spot on Time’s List of Best Inventions 2022.
Beyond simplifying manufacturing and enhancing personalization, E Ink vehicles could serve practical purposes. Clarke mentioned scenarios like changing a black car to white on a hot day to reduce heat or using color changes to easily spot a vehicle in a crowded parking area. Rideshare drivers could also switch their car’s color based on whether they are on duty or off. However, she also mentioned potential safety and regulatory challenges associated with this technology.
“Safety is paramount; we need to ensure it’s safe,” she remarked. “In traffic, we wouldn’t want cars constantly flashing different colors, which could be hazardous. Thus, regulations may be necessary to allow color changes only when the vehicle is stationary. This would likely vary by country.”
Given that even somewhat flexible daytime running lights from manufacturers like Audi can clash with U.S. safety standards, achieving approval from the NHTSA for vehicles that can undergo complete color transformations on the go may be challenging. Additionally, law enforcement might find it problematic if identifying vehicles becomes significantly more complicated.
In related news, professional getaway drivers may have a new preferred automaker.
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