Continental is presenting the "Emotional Cockpit" at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. A central element is a 1.30-meter-long, four-centimeter-high E Ink Prism display that spans the entire width of the dashboard.

It says the application of Prism ePaper, known from e-readers, visually enhances the vehicle interior and enables ‘countless opportunities of personalisation in the form of unique patterns, colours and combinations’.

E Ink displays can also be used to display information relevant for driving such as the remaining range. Continental has teamed up with E Ink, a specialist in the field of ePaper technology, to bring the display technology to the automotive interior.

"Personalization and emotionality are decisive success factors for vehicles of the future," says 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."

Continental also says that E Ink Display tech is suited for use in vehicle exteriors.

Continental is also presenting technological innovations for external interaction between car and driver even before getting into the vehicle. The intelligent demonstration vehicle – known as the "Intelligent Vehicle Experience Demo Car" – uses an E Ink display mounted on the outside of the B-pillar, which can be individually configured and designed with personally selected content. For electric vehicles, this display can also indicate the current charge level, meaning a user would no longer have to unlock the vehicle to see current available range – described as a ‘real benefit before setting out on a journey or during the charging process’.