In a major blast from the past, we are taking a trip down memory lane back to when BMW captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, design experts, and tech experts alike. In 2022, BMW unveiled their secret project at the annual Consumer Electronic Show: a color-changing car that allows drivers to alter their vehicle’s appearance at the touch of a button. This innovative technology highlighted a leap forward in both automotive design and personalization.
A Revolution in Automotive Aesthetics
The project is based on E Ink Cooperation technology. The car is wrapped in a specially tailored body wrap which when stimulated by electric signals utilizes advanced electrophoretic technology to change the vehicle’s color by bringing different color pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired coloration. This technology is currently found in e-books and recently made headlines for their collaboration with Delvaux for handbag capsules at Parish Fashion Week at the end of November.
The significance of this technology goes beyond mere aesthetics. It introduces an exciting dimension of personalization, allowing drivers to adapt their vehicle’s color to match their mood, style, or even the environment. Imagine driving a sleek, white car during the day and transforming it into a sophisticated black or grey at night. This capability opens the door to a new level of customization that has previously been restricted in the automotive world.
Enhancing Functionality and Efficiency
At the time of the event, the new BMW iX M60 prototype demonstrated the futuristic technology. While not seen on the road yet, the color-changing technology highlighted both innovation in design and tech specifications. By altering the car’s color, drivers can influence the vehicle’s temperature and energy consumption. Lighter colors, for instance, reflect sunlight and help keep the car cooler, while darker shades can absorb heat in colder climates.
The practical functionality of the design could lead to improved energy efficiency, particularly in electric vehicles, where temperature management is crucial for optimizing battery performance. The iX M60 was, at the time, the first electric SUV in BMW’s M range. Moreover, the technology could enhance safety on the road. Drivers could switch to brighter colors in low visibility conditions, making their vehicles more noticeable to other road users. This adaptability could potentially reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to overall road safety.
South African Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu improves BMW aesthetics
Following on from their success with the color changing prototype at the CES 2022 show, BMW unveiled another color changing car in April this year which incorporated designs by South African Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA showcased a once-off design by the German automobile manufacturer presented at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair as a tribute to the history of the BMW brand and global cultural engagement.
BMW has previously worked with Mahlangu in 1991 on their famous Art Cars- a design project which first commenced in 1975. Mahlangu’s designs are inspired by her Ndebele culture and draws upon local traditions of painting techniques within her work. While the car was, at this stage, a single project, Research Engineer in Open Innovations at BMW Stella Clarke is confident that this type of technology could be seen in real models on the road.
BMW’s color-changing car project represents a significant milestone in the intersection of technology, design, and personalization. As more manufacturers explore the potential of futuristic technology within design, we could see a shift in how vehicles are conceived. Cars may move from holding static designs to fluid, adaptable forms. This evolution could redefine automotive aesthetics, making cars not just modes of transportation but dynamic expressions of self.
