At CES 2025, Continental introduced its cutting-edge “Emotional Cockpit,” showcasing the integration of E Ink’s advanced Prism ePaper display technology into vehicle interiors. This breakthrough application, commonly seen in e-readers, not only enhances the visual appeal of the vehicle’s interior but also offers endless possibilities for personalization through customizable patterns, colors, and designs. E Ink displays can also provide real-time driving information, such as remaining battery range, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality.
Continental partnered with E Ink, the leader in ePaper technology, to bring this elegant and energy-efficient display solution to the automotive sector. “Personalization and emotional appeal are key to the success of future vehicles,” said Pavel Prouza, Head of User Experience (UX) at Continental. “Generation Z, for instance, represents a new wave of customers seeking individuality, particularly through digital media. By integrating energy-efficient e-reader technology into our ‘Emotional Cockpit,’ we are delivering innovative ways to customize the in-car experience in line with evolving consumer expectations.”
Unlike traditional backlit displays, the Prism ePaper screen in the “Emotional Cockpit” only uses power when switching between images or content. This significant energy advantage is particularly crucial for electric vehicles, where maximizing range is a priority. E Ink displays reflect ambient light much like traditional paper, meaning they don’t require backlighting, and they can retain displayed content indefinitely without using power. For example, when the vehicle is parked, the selected content remains visible as if it were printed directly on the screen.
Currently, the technology supports black-and-gray tones, creating a minimalist, sleek aesthetic, but future iterations will include color options. Additionally, these displays are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for automotive applications.
“The E Ink technology provides unparalleled personalization and customization opportunities for the automotive industry,” said Dr. F.Y. Gan, President of E Ink. “It’s thin, durable, and incredibly power-efficient—perfect for the car of the future.”
In addition to the interior display innovations, Continental is also demonstrating the potential of E Ink technology on the vehicle’s exterior. At CES, the company presented a prototype vehicle—called the “Intelligent Vehicle Experience Demo Car”—featuring an E Ink display mounted on the outside of the B-pillar. This external display can be customized with personalized content, such as the vehicle’s current charge level, providing valuable information to drivers before they even enter the vehicle. For electric vehicle owners, this feature eliminates the need to unlock the car to check the battery status, offering enhanced convenience during both charging and pre-journey planning.
Continental is showcasing its latest technologies in a private exhibition at the Central Plaza, opposite the Las Vegas Convention Center, from January 7 to 10, 2025. The company’s display highlights innovations that span from the road to the cloud, underscoring its commitment to pioneering sustainable and connected mobility solutions.
Founded in 1871, Continental is a leading technology company that specializes in providing safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, and transportation systems. With a sales revenue of €41.4 billion in 2023 and a workforce of around 200,000 employees across 56 countries, Continental continues to shape the future of mobility.
