BMW launches color-changing paint based on e-reader technology.

BMW unveiled its color-changing paint technology at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and demonstrated it on its iX electric SUV.

The color-changing effect is powered by E Ink, the same electrophoresis technology used in e-readers; BMW stated in a press release that the ink consists of millions of microcapsules, each about the diameter of a hair, suspended in the exterior wrap. The company states that the ink is "floating in the exterior wrap.

The ink contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. An electric current can change the amount of each pigment that collects on the surface of the microcapsules, allowing the user to change the color between white, black, and gray at the push of a button. However, this means that the options are limited to these three colors.

In addition to the personalization potential of being able to change the color of a car on command, BMW says the technology also has efficiency benefits.

Since a white exterior reflects more sunlight than a black exterior, BMW claims that the color-changing paint could be used to regulate the temperature inside the car. A shift to white would cool the interior of the car on hot days, while a shift to black would allow heat to escape from the car on cold days. This means less reliance on energy-wasting air conditioning systems.

BMW has no plans to offer color-changing paint on production models. However, BMW did unveil a sportier version of the iX at CES: the 2023 BMW iX M60 boasts 610 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque in Sport mode; BMW says it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; the M60 is this summer, The M60 will be in showrooms this summer along with the base iX xDrive50.