Aussie makes world-first breakthrough at CES with BMW’s colour-changing paint

An engineering team led by an Australian woman has developed game-changing technology that could change the way we look at cars forever.

BMW’s iX Flow concept can change colours at the touch of a button.

A team of technicians led by an Australian engineer has unveiled world-first colour-changing technology for cars at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Sydney-raised Stella Clarke, a research engineer at BMW, unveiled the “BMW iX Flow” concept car featuring colour-changing paint.

The BMW iX electric car debuts technology that could change the look of future vehicles.

BMW’s iX Flow concept has a revolutionary look.

Ready for the next step in innovation ⚡️ Join us as we unveil our future innovations around the CES 2022. #BMWCES#BMW#FromSoultoSoul#BornElectrichttps://t.co/tsUKqXf92g

— BMW (@BMW) January 5, 2022

The e-ink paint on the iX can appear black, white, grey or any combination of those tones, including interesting patterns or written messages. Applied to the wheels and bodywork of the car, the paint can change colour instantly with electronic controls.

The BMW iX Flow concept debuted at CES.

Clarke says it “gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality”, and that “the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life”.

The technology isn’t ready for mass production.

The tech is applied to BMW’s new iX electric car.

But BMW is working on making it a reality, and there’s more to it than choosing a car colour to match your outfit.

“We can show information on the exterior of the car,” Clarke says.

“We can show you the battery status, we can show you if a car-sharing car is free or if it’s been cleaned.

“If you’ve lost your car in a parking lot we can make it flash.”

Stella Clarke with the iX Flow concept.

The engineer, who works with other Aussies at BMW such as renowned designer Calvin Luk, said the tech could even make the car cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

“By changing the colour of a car we can influence sunlight reflection,” she said.

“And thus influence the thermal properties of the car to support our sustainability goals.”

Originally published as Aussie makes world-first breakthrough at CES with BMW’s colour-changing paint