The Revolutionary Color-Changing Technology of BMW's iX Flow
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The Future of Automotive Aesthetics
Do you love the color of your car? Personally, I have a white vehicle, which I don’t mind until it gets dirty and requires cleaning. My family has typically owned black cars, which tend to hide dirt better. However, when I purchased my Ford C-Max at a bargain price from an auction, color selection wasn’t an option. The C-Max is quite rare, and production has ceased, so I couldn’t be picky about the hue. While repainting my car could be a solution, it would be an unnecessary expense for me right now.
Imagine if your car could change its color at will! On a sunny day, it could be white; when it rains or snows, it could switch to black. What if it could also take on brighter shades like red, blue, or yellow? Seeing a vibrant yellow or a unique teal car always brightens my day. While I briefly considered spending $2,000 to change mine, I quickly remembered my financial priorities and decided against it.
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BMW recently astounded the world by unveiling the iX Flow, its first vehicle capable of changing colors. Let’s delve into the technology behind it, how it operates, and its pricing.
How the Color Change Works
With just a button press, the iX Flow transitions between white, grey, and black. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer a wider color palette at this time, so my dream of a teal car remains unrealized. The concept was developed by Stella Clarke, a research engineer from Australia, utilizing a technology known as "E Ink." This digital paper wraps around the vehicle and is composed of laser-cut electrophoretic material filled with millions of ink microcapsules. The color transition occurs through an electric field that shifts different pigments within the paper.
According to a press release from E Ink, the company pioneering this technology, the variable exterior not only allows for personalization but also enhances vehicle efficiency. A white exterior reflects sunlight on hot days, while a black one absorbs it during colder weather. This ability could potentially reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling the car's interior.
The color-changing process is extremely efficient due to E Ink's ultra-low power technology. Their digital paper is bistable, meaning it only consumes energy when changing color, not when maintaining it. This feature aligns well with the sustainability goals of electric vehicles.
BMW showcased the iX Flow at CES 2022, a technology convention held in Las Vegas earlier this year. This isn’t the first time BMW has explored color-changing technology. In 2017, they introduced a similar concept for their MINI models, and back in 1998, they revealed color-changing panels for the Smart ForTwo, although those required manual switching and took two hours to change.
When Will It Be Available for Purchase?
As of now, the iX Flow is not available for sale. BMW revealed this innovative concept using the BMW iX M60 model at the Las Vegas convention, but it remains unreleased. According to TomsGuide.com, the iX M60 is set to hit the market in June 2022, with a starting price of $106,095. Currently, BMW’s website does not offer pre-orders, only an option to sign up for updates about the model.
The price is substantial, but so is the technology involved. While BMW hasn’t confirmed plans to expand the color options, I hope they consider it in the future. My research indicates that no other automotive brands currently offer color-changing vehicles, making this a pioneering concept.
You can watch the iX Flow being presented at CES 2022, along with an interview featuring Stella Clarke, the engineer behind this innovation:
Conclusion: A New Era in Car Customization
While the notion of color-changing cars is not entirely new, the technology BMW employs—using electrophoretic paper—sets it apart from traditional color-changing paints. While such paints have been around, they lack the dynamic versatility that E Ink offers. Unlike paint, which is a permanent solution, this technology allows for on-the-fly color adjustments.
Despite its hefty price tag of over $100,000, it’s uncertain whether this color-changing feature is included in that cost or if it comes at an additional premium. Personally, even if I could afford such a vehicle, I wouldn’t opt for it. Nevertheless, it’s fascinating to witness technological advancements in the automotive industry. What innovations will BMW and other manufacturers unveil next? Only time will tell. I, for one, intend to keep a close eye on developments and perhaps even attend the next CES convention in Las Vegas to witness the color-changing magic firsthand.