Cool Cars: Nissan’s Paint Solution

Photo Source: NISSAN

What is the New Car Painting Technology?

In a press release on August 6, 2024, Nissan announced that it is making strides toward a more sustainable automotive future. For context, the brand devised an inventive new paint to reduce a vehicle’s ambient interior temperature and decrease the energy usage of the air-conditioning system. The paint was conceived in partnership with Radi-Cool and integrates unique properties not found in nature via metamaterial technology. The project is a tribute to Nissan’s dedication to environmental safety and ingenuity. 

As such, the undertaking began with a 12-month feasibility trial in November 2023 at Tokyo International Air Terminal at Haneda. Cooperating with Radi-Cool Japan, Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., and All Nippon Airways (ANA), the trial involves a Nissan NV100 service vehicle maneuvered by All Nippon Airways airport services. Haneda’s extensive, exposed tarmac offers an optimal area to conduct a real-world assessment of the paint’s performance in high-temperature environments.

Testing Phase Outcomes

Even though the study is in its infancy, initial data is encouraging. For example, when exposed to the sun, automobiles coated with Nissan’s cool paint exhibited exterior surface temperatures up to 21.6 degrees Fahrenheit lower and interior temperatures up to nine degrees Fahrenheit cooler compared to vehicles with conventional automotive paint. 

This notable cooling development is especially beneficial when a vehicle is parked in the sun for an extended period, resulting in a decline in air-conditioning usage and a more pleasant interior space. In turn, the minimized reliance on the air-conditioning system is expected to increase overall vehicle efficiency by reducing the load to an internal combustion engine or drain on an electric battery.

How Nissan’s Cooling Paint Functions

The paint’s effectiveness depends on its composition. It boasts two kinds of microstructure particles: one particle reflects near-infrared rays that usually cause heat in traditional paint, while the other generates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun’s rays, redirecting energy away from the vehicle into the atmosphere. In tandem, these particles diminish heat transfer into surfaces such as the doors and roof.

Dr. Susumu Miura, the senior manager and expert at the Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory at Nissan Research Center, guides this investigation. Renowned for his work on noise-reducing acoustic materials, Miura’s latest contribution to the industry lies in assembling more efficient, cooler cars.

“My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy. This is especially important in the EV era, where the load from running air-conditioning in summer can have a sizable impact on the state of charge.”

–Dr. Susumu Miura, senior manager and expert at the Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, Nissan Research Center

It is worth noting that unlike standard radiant cooling paints commonly utilized for buildings, the brand’s automotive variant is created to enforce Nissan’s high quality and durability requirements. For example, conventional radiant cooling paints are thick and applied with rollers, often leaving a chalky residue without a clear topcoat. Dr. Miura had to ensure the automotive version could be sprayed on while integrating a clear topcoat.

Follow Nissan’s Painting Progress at Nissan of Fort Pierce!

Even though the most recent paint thickness is roughly six times thicker than regular automotive paint at 120 microns, Miura’s team is evaluating thinner options that maintain cooling efficiency. They hope the paint will eventually be available for special orders in several hues, especially benefiting light commercial vehicles like ambulances and vans that spend most of their time driving. 

As Nissan continues its innovative venture, its cool paint represents a significant step toward more efficient vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions. If Nissan’s eco-friendly aims are of interest to you, please view our new or used vehicle inventories. We also have certified pre-owned vehicles and used vehicle specials at your disposal.