BMW has unveiled a new colour changing paint at the Consumer Electronics Show using E Ink as the base similar to that used in e-readers.
The Kindle may be the first thing you think of to use the technology, however BMW has decided that a car is more suitable a surface.
The BMW IX that is has been used on is a concept at them moment, and it was shown off in Las Vegas for the annual exhibition.
The surface of the IX has millions of microcapsules with a diameter similar to that of a human hair for each.
Each microcapsule contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black ones.
This allow the car to match the desired shade based on the car surface being stimulated by an electrical charge.
Unfortunately though BMW has said this is just and R&D project, therefore it is unlikely we will see these lizard like cars available soon.
At the moment though the colour of the car can be triggered by a button and is capable of being black, white or grey.
Supposedly the colours despite consisting of only three, have an effect on the efficiency of the car.
BMW says, “A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one.”
“By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour.”
This does seem to be sound thinking from BMW, and who knows we may see camo cars in the next few years.