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

The German manufacturer, present at CES, unveiled a coating technology to change the color of its body. Called iX Flow, the concept unveiled in Las Vegas makes it possible to switch from white to gray and vice versa in a few seconds.
Better still, it is not a simple change of color. The user is free to choose the areas of the car whose color he wishes to change and vary them as desired. In fact, the number of possibilities for customizing the color of your car has increased tenfold.

The Munich manufacturer explains that it has designed a “body shell” specific to the iX, its 100% electric SUV. When it is stimulated by electrical signals, it triggers a process, based on electrophoretic technology, which allows it to change its appearance. How? ‘Or’ What ? By bringing different color pigments to the surface of the car and allowing them to take on the color desired by the user.

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

Beyond aesthetics

BMW also explains that this aesthetic modification can also have a utility other than aesthetic. Indeed, the change of color can have consequences on the energy consumption of a vehicle. To put it another way, whether a car is black or white, it does not absorb thermal energy generated by the sun in the same way.
For example, in cool weather, a dark coating will help the vehicle absorb more heat produced by the sun. Obviously, BMW does not communicate on specific figures on the matter. Even if these would be anecdotal, it is interesting to note that a change in the design of the vehicle can have repercussions on its autonomy.

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