E-paper films have been tested on all sorts of surfaces – from handbags to car wraps. Next up are car interiors: Manufacturer Antolin is partnering with E Ink to create color changing cockpits that consume very little energy.
BMW has been testing color-changing car foils for nearly three years. Working with e-paper manufacturer E Ink, the German carmaker has already released several chameleon-style special editions. Now, the Spanish vehicle interiors supplier Grupo Antolin is also partnering with E Ink. At the IZB in Wolfsburg, Grupo Antolin announced it would design a vehicle interior using the Prism-3 color film.
BMW has already used E Ink’s Prism 3 technology on its “Flow i5 Nostokana” art car, and has developed a unique laser-cutting process to apply the film. Prism 3 uses electronically controlled color pigments to create surfaces that can change color and patterns automatically or on demand. Inside the vehicle, this color-shifting feature could be useful for alerts or call notifications.
E Ink collaboration to help remain competitive
Antolin and E Ink have reportedly been working for two years to adapt Prism technology for interior use. As both companies announced at the IZB, these efforts have demonstrated the solution’s functionality and user-friendliness.
Javier Villacampa, Antolin VP, Innovation & Sustainability, says: “Our objective is to achieve this with utmost efficiency and competitiveness, carefully selecting functions that provide genuine value to users while upholding our commitments to sustainability, safety, and onboard comfort. The technical collaboration with E Ink will help our innovation strategy to meet this significant challenge.”
However, the companies have not yet announced when a finalized solution will be available.
