Porsche filed a patent application with the World Intellectual Property Organization for an exterior film that changes color when an electrical voltage is applied.
The patent describes using the film to reveal "rally" or racing stripes on the hood, roof and rear decklid when a car is placed into a different drive mode. Porsche's application also says the material could display an EV's state of charge so drivers can check charge level at a glance.
Porsche calls the technology "electronic paper" or paramagnetic coatings and explains that microcapsules containing charged particles rearrange under voltage to alter color or contrast. Similar adjustable coatings are used on glass sunroofs by Porsche, Audi, McLaren and Mercedes‑Benz, but the filing covers applying the film to body panels.
In normal driving mode the stripes would remain invisible and become visible when the drive mode changes, according to the patent application. Porsche suggests the film could help distinguish cars in racing scenarios or provide quick visual charge information for EV owners.
This article is based on reporting from The Autopian.
Read the full article at The Autopian.
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