Continental has presented a new cockpit for the first time at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, USA. The concept merges multiple vehicle display solutions to form an integrated unit that is a 1.3m-long, 4cm-high E Ink Prism display that spans the entire width of the dashboard.
The highlight of the display is the Prism ePaper, known from e-readers. Continental has teamed up with E Ink, a pioneer and market leader in the field of ePaper technology, to bring this display technology to the automotive interior market.
“Personalization and emotionality are decisive success factors for vehicles of the future,” said Pavel Prouza, head of the user experience (UX) business area at Continental. “Generation Z, for example, represents a new generation of customers who want to express their individuality and showcase their personality, especially through digital media. With our ’emotional cockpit’ and the adaptation of energy-saving e-reader technology, we are offering innovative options to personalize the vehicle cockpit in line with new customer expectations.”
E Ink displays use electronically charged microcapsules to display content. Unlike conventional backlit displays, the display in Continental’s emotional cockpit shown at CES only consumes power for a brief moment when switching from one image to the next. This is game-changing for EVs where energy efficiency is crucial as it influences the driving range. E Ink displays, also called ePaper due to their proximity to eReader technology, reflect light like real paper. They do not need to be illuminated by light sources placed behind the screen, unlike conventional displays.
The displays can display images, graphics or text elements permanently without a power supply. When the vehicle is parked, for example, the content that has been selected remains visible – as if it were printed on the screen. Although color variants are possible, the first generation of this technology features a black and gray colorway for a minimalist aesthetic.
“The technology from E Ink offers unique personalization and customization possibilities in the automotive sector, as it is very thin, durable and consumes minimal power. Together with Continental, we are bringing innovative technology into the car of tomorrow,” explains Dr Feng-Yuan Gan, president of E Ink.
This display technology could also be used in the exterior of a vehicle. For instance, in an EV, this display could be mounted on the outside of the B-pillar to indicate the current charge level.
