Drivers are all too familiar with the sweltering heat that greets them when they enter their car on a sunny day. Fortunately, Nissan may have a solution that could significantly reduce temperatures inside and outside of vehicles. As part of a collaborative effort with Radi-Cool, Nissan has developed a revolutionary car paint designed to reflect sunlight and dissipate heat using cutting-edge metamaterial technology.
This innovative paint incorporates two types of microstructure particles, each with a specific role in heat management. The first type of particle is engineered to reflect the near-infrared rays within sunlight, which are mainly responsible for heat build-up. The second particle generates electromagnetic waves that contribute to pushing some of the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere.
Although the concept of radiant cooling paint is not entirely novel, with its implementation being seen in building and structural applications, its adaptation for automotive use is a significant step forward. Traditional radiant cooling paints are thick, requiring a paint roller for application. However, Dr. Susumu Miura, who leads the research team, has indicated that the goal is to refine the paint to a clear topcoat, which can be applied more conveniently with a spray gun.
The effectiveness of Nissan’s cool paint has been put to the test during a year-long trial at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. A Nissan NV100 service vehicle treated with this paint exhibited remarkable temperature reductions—a 12-degree Celsius decrease in exterior surface temperature and an interior that was up to 5 degrees Celsius cooler when parked in direct sunlight. This innovation promises to not only improve comfort but also cut down on air conditioning usage, enhancing fuel efficiency for gas vehicles and extending battery range for electric models.
Nissan’s research team has tackled obstacles including paint thickness, durability, and visual appeal to create a formula that can be sprayed on, while still retaining its efficient cooling properties. Although the technology is in the ongoing stages of development, the potential impact on the automotive industry, especially for vehicles such as delivery vans and trucks that are routinely exposed to sunlight, is immense.
As Nissan continues to refine this ‘cool paint’ technology, the future of automotive finishes could bring a new standard in mitigating the effects of direct sunlight on vehicles, providing both environmental and economical benefits to drivers everywhere.
