BMW introduces technology that changes the color of its car in seconds

The German manufacturer, present at CES, revealed a coating technology to change the color of its body. Dubbed the iX Flow, which was revealed in Las Vegas, the concept has the ability to switch from white to gray and back in a matter of seconds.
Even better, it’s not a simple change of color. The user is free to choose the areas of the car that he wants to change color and change as desired. In fact, the number of possibilities to customize the color of your car increased tenfold.

The Munich manufacturer explains that it has designed a “body structure” for the iX, the 100% electric SUV. When stimulated by electrical signals, they trigger a process based on electrophoresis technology, which allows them to change their appearance. how ? By bringing different color pigments onto the surface of the car and allowing it to take the color the user desires.

Electrophoresis is based on technology developed by E Ink, a company best known for the e-ink technology used in e-readers. In the specific case of iX Flow, E Ink engineers used microcapsules with a diameter equal to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these capsules contains negatively charged white and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the setting chosen, the user can therefore change the color of the electric field covering the vehicle and thus its overall appearance.

Beyond aesthetics

BMW also explains that this aesthetic modification can also have a benefit other than aesthetics. In fact, a color change can have consequences for a vehicle’s energy consumption. In other words, whether the car is black or white, it does not absorb the heat energy generated by the sun in the same way.
For example, in cold weather, dark paint helps the car absorb more heat produced by the sun. It is clear that BMW is not talking about specific numbers on this. Even if these are anecdotal, it is interesting to note that a change in the car’s design could have repercussions on its autonomy.

Of course, the iX Flow is still in the concept stage. It will undoubtedly be necessary to wait a few years before seeing this option proposed at BMW dealerships.