Nissan’s New Car Paint Will Help Keep The Cabin Cooler
Radiant cooling paint isn’t new, but it’s typically used for buildings and other structures. Nissan is bringing this innovation to cars for the first time.
A car with a comfortable cabin can turn your tedious daily drive into a pleasant treat. Whether you’re driving a budget-friendly economy car or a high-end luxury vehicle, advancements in cabin comfort and technology have elevated our driving experiences. Plush seats, advanced infotainment systems, and seamless connectivity are now standard in many cars, making even the most routine commute feel like a mini-vacation. But Nissan is raising the bar even higher by taking the concept of “cool” quite literally.
A Game-Changer In Vehicle Cooling
Developed in partnership with Radi-Cool, a specialist in radiative cooling products, this paint features embedded metamaterials; and synthetic composites with unique properties not found in nature. These materials are engineered to tackle one of the most common problems faced by drivers: excessive heat. The paint can reduce the temperature of a vehicle’s exterior by up to 12 degrees Celsius and the interior by up to 5 degrees Celsius when compared to traditional automotive paints.
Why is this such a big deal? Think about the last time you entered a car that’s been baking in the sun. The heat can be unbearable, and you might find yourself cranking up the air conditioning just to survive. By reducing the internal temperature of a vehicle, the paint minimises the reliance on air conditioning, which can significantly lower energy consumption. For electric vehicles (EVs), this means conserving battery power and extending driving range, while for traditional vehicles, it reduces the strain on the engine and improves overall efficiency.
Nissan’s cool paint technology stands out for its dual approach that keeps your car cool:
- The first particle reflects near-infrared rays from the sun, which would otherwise cause heat buildup.
- The second particle creates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun’s energy, redirecting it away from the vehicle.
Together, this combination significantly cuts down on heat transfer, keeping the car cooler even after long periods of exposure to the sun.
Real-World Testing Of The Cool Paint Technology
Since November 2023, Nissan has been putting this technology to the test at Tokyo International Air Terminal at Haneda. The airport’s vast, sun-exposed tarmac offers a perfect environment for evaluating the paint’s performance under real-world conditions. The results so far are impressive as vehicles coated with Nissan’s cool paint show a significant reduction in temperature, even after being parked under the blazing sun for extended periods.
Dr. Susumu Miura, a key figure in Nissan’s Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, emphasises the importance of this innovation. “My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy,” Miura states. This vision aligns with Nissan’s broader goal of developing technologies that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient driving experience.
Looking Ahead
While the technology shows great potential, there are still hurdles to clear. The paint currently used is 120 microns thick, about six times thicker than standard automotive paint. The added thickness ensures durability and performance but also presents challenges in application and aesthetics.
To this end, efforts are underway to develop thinner versions that maintain the same cooling performance. Additionally, Nissan is exploring ways to expand the colour palette beyond the initial white, acknowledging that drivers have diverse preferences. While the initial focus will be on introducing this cool paint technology in commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans and long-distance trucks, there’s strong potential for it to become available for passenger cars.
Nissan’s cool paint technology hints at an exciting future for automotive innovation. For a glimpse into their cutting-edge vehicles today, visit Group1 Nissan. Check out models like the Nissan Magnite, X-Trail, and Patrol to see how Nissan’s commitment to comfort and efficiency can enhance your driving experience.
