context: For electrochromic applications, the device shows rapid, self-powered color switching and multicolor display (color switching from light yellow to transparent, light red, dark green, dark blue and black, corresponding to the combination of the different states of the two films). As an energy storage device, the as-assembled device provides three different open-circuit potentials with an overall areal capacity of up to 933 mA h m−2. Meanwhile, the utilization of the mixed Al/Li-ion electrolyte and the addition of PEDOT:PSS into the inorganic materials greatly promote the cycle stability of the cathode films. Such a new design of the EES device with multicolor display, large charge capacity and high cycle stability can be promising for future color switching/energy storage applications, which may also provide new insights into the design of multifunctional devices.