This study aims to achieve dual-color properties for pyridinium-salt-based electrochromic materials. A novel series of 4'-(4-alkyl ester)-4,2':6',4 ''-terpyridinium derivatives were designed and synthesized through the introduction of an ester group onto the benzene ring of 2,4-di(4-pyridyl)-4-benzylpyridinium derivatives. Dual-electrochromic devices based on these compounds were fabricated. Multiple shades of green and yellowish green colors were obtained by changing the type of carboxylic acids and the nitrogen substituents. The type of carboxylic acids and the nitrogen substituents significantly influenced their electrochromic properties. 4'-(4-Alkyl ester)-4,2':6',4 ''-terpyridinium derivatives show good electrochromic properties such as high coloration efficiency, reasonable contrast, satisfactory optical memories, and redox stability. The dual-electrochromic materials are promising candidates for applications in electrochromic display systems. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.