Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a trio of head-turning tech developments that it boasts will increase safety through a “new form of communication”, use previously untouched areas of cars to display information, and open up new possibilities for how batteries are used.

The brand’s intelligent display technology integrates LED elements directly into vehicle windows so messages can be displayed there. The displays are “almost invisible” when they’re not being used to show warning signs, safety symbols or traffic-related information.

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Mercedes is using two different varieties of LED tech to drive the new communication form: mini LEDs for larger areas like the rear windscreen, where they can display brake lights or traffic updates to other motorists. Higher-resolution micro LEDs that support more complex displays like animations are suited to smaller areas.

The brand is also using holograms to turn windscreens into “on-demand communication surfaces” with the idea of decreasing the reliance on screens and displaying information on “previously unused” areas of its cars. 

Key to the tech is a device in the instrument panel that projects content onto the windscreen, with a special film on the glass using holographic optical elements that selectively reflect light wavelengths. The film ensures that the projections remain easy to see even in sunlight, and the images are only viewable from select angles, meaning, for example, the driver cannot see what the passenger can.

Mercedes says the holographic system will mean windscreens can be used for video calls, navigation, entertainment and driving information “without permanently changing the vehicle’s appearance”.

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Last but not least is the new Power Converter for electric vehicles, which could have the most important applications of the trio. It uses software and micro converters to control the energy flows of individual battery cells and ensure a constant 800-volt output no matter what state of charge the cells are in. 

The result should be a big jump in flexibility, range and efficiency as the Power Converter combines several functions into a single unit instead of handling them separately, as is currently the case. Batteries could also become more compact, and the unit delivers up to 3kW and supports AC and DC conversion, as well as bidirectional charging. Models that could benefit from the upgrade in future include the GLB Electric and C-Class Electric.