At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Continental unveiled the “Emotional Cockpit,” a revolutionary concept featuring a massive E Ink Prism display.
This 1.30-meter-long (approximately 4.2 feet) and four-centimeter-high (about 1.6 inches) customizable display spans the entire width of a vehicle’s dashboard.
Utilizing ePaper technology, commonly associated with e-readers, this innovation brings new levels of personalization and emotional engagement to automotive interiors.
E Ink Prism Display
The E Ink Prism display replaces traditional dashboard materials with a screen capable of showcasing various patterns, colors, and designs. This allows drivers to tailor their vehicle’s interior aesthetics to reflect their individual tastes.
The current version operates in a black-and-gray color scheme, offering a minimalist yet striking appearance. However, Continental plans to release future iterations with full-color capabilities, which will expand the possibilities for customization.
Energy Efficiency
One of the standout features of the E Ink display is its energy efficiency. Unlike traditional backlit screens, ePaper technology reflects ambient light, eliminating the need for internal illumination.
The display only consumes power during the brief moments it changes images or designs. Once set, it maintains the selected content without any energy draw.
This makes it particularly appealing for electric vehicles (EVs), where conserving energy is crucial to maximizing driving range.
Appealing to the Digital Generation
Continental highlights that the Emotional Cockpit is designed with Generation Z and younger consumers in mind. These groups prioritize individuality and look for digital avenues to express their personalities.
The customizable E Ink dashboard caters to this desire by offering a platform for personal expression, transforming the car’s interior into a reflection of the driver’s style.
Durability and Practicality
The E Ink display is not only innovative but also practical. Its lightweight and durable construction ensures it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for automotive use.
Furthermore, the display’s ability to maintain visibility without power means the selected designs or information remain visible even when the vehicle is off. This feature ensures continuous personalization without energy consumption.
Expanding Applications
Continental is exploring E Ink technology beyond vehicle interiors. At CES 2025, the company demonstrated an external application featuring an E Ink display mounted on the vehicle’s B-pillar.
This external screen can show information such as the vehicle’s current charge level, enabling drivers to check the battery status at a glance without entering the car. This innovation highlights the versatility of E Ink in enhancing both functionality and personalization.
The Future of Automotive Interiors
The Emotional Cockpit, with its expansive E Ink display, hints at a potential shift in automotive interior design. By integrating customizable, energy-efficient screens, manufacturers can provide a more engaging and personal driving experience.
As ePaper technology advances and full-color displays become available, the range of customization will grow, allowing drivers to adapt their car’s ambiance to match their mood or style.
While this concept remains in the demonstration phase, the reception at CES 2025 underscores growing interest in such innovations.
As automakers compete to differentiate their vehicles and cater to evolving consumer preferences, technologies like Continental’s Emotional Cockpit could become a common feature in the cars of tomorrow.