Nissan has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in automotive technology: a new “cool paint” that can significantly reduce the temperature of vehicles parked in direct sunlight. This cutting-edge paint, currently under trial, has the potential to keep cars up to 21.6 °F (12 °C) cooler, offering a promising solution to the scorching heat that often plagues drivers during summer months.
The discomfort of entering a car that has been sitting in the sun is a common experience. The intense heat inside the cabin not only causes discomfort but also strains the vehicle’s air conditioning system, leading to increased energy consumption and potential wear on the engine and battery. Nissan’s latest innovation aims to address this issue by reflecting the sun’s rays and dissipating heat more effectively than traditional automotive paints.
The key to Nissan’s cool paint lies in its advanced composition, which includes metamaterials and specially designed particles. These materials work together to reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the vehicle’s surface. Specifically, the paint contains two types of particles:
- Near-Infrared Reflecting Particles: These particles reflect near-infrared wavelengths of light, which are responsible for generating heat in regular automotive paint. By reflecting these wavelengths, the paint significantly reduces the heat absorbed by the vehicle.
- Electromagnetic Wave Generating Particles: These particles create electromagnetic waves that help redirect heat energy away from the vehicle, further cooling it down. This concept is similar to other radiative cooling technologies that have been used in various industries.
Nissan has been testing this innovative coating since November 2023 on a Nissan NV100 service vehicle at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. The results have been impressive, with the treated vehicle’s external surfaces being up to 21.6 °F (12 °C) cooler and the cabin interior up to 9 °F (5 °C) cooler compared to a vehicle with standard paint parked in the same conditions.
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The idea of using sunlight-reflecting coatings is not entirely new. Such coatings have been successfully used in the construction industry, particularly on rooftops, to keep buildings cool. These coatings often contain ceramic, glass, or titanium dioxide particles and are known for their ultra-white appearance. However, applying similar technology to vehicles presents unique challenges.
One of the primary hurdles is the thickness of these cooling coatings. Traditional coatings used on buildings are around 400 microns thick, whereas standard automotive paint is only about 20 microns per layer. Nissan’s cool paint, while thinner than other cooling coats at 120 microns, is still much thicker than typical vehicle paint. This increased thickness poses challenges in terms of durability and aesthetics, as the paint cannot currently have a topcoat, leading to a chalky residue when touched.
Despite these challenges, Nissan’s researchers are optimistic. They are working on developing a thinner version of the coating that maintains the same cooling performance. Additionally, the current version of the paint has shown resistance to chipping, peeling, scratching, and chemical reactions, making it a promising candidate for future automotive applications.
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The development of this cooling paint aligns with broader trends in the automotive industry towards sustainability and energy efficiency. By reducing the need for air conditioning, the paint could help lower fuel consumption in traditional vehicles and extend the range of electric vehicles, which rely on battery power for both driving and climate control. Additionally, cooler vehicles could reduce the wear and tear on engines and batteries, potentially extending the lifespan of critical components.
