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Nissan's New Cool Paint Technology Aims To Cut Summer Heat In Vehicles
Nissan has been testing a new automotive paint designed to lower cabin temperatures and reduce air-conditioning energy usage. This innovative paint, developed with Radi-Cool, incorporates metamaterial that exhibits unique properties. The project aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable society by enhancing vehicle efficiency.
In November 2023, Nissan began a year-long feasibility trial at Tokyo International Air Terminal at Haneda. Collaborating with Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., Radi-Cool Japan, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) airport services, the paint was applied to a Nissan NV100 service vehicle operated by ANA. Haneda's large open tarmac provided an ideal environment for real-world testing under high temperatures.
The metamaterial in Nissan's cool paint contains two microstructure particles that react to light. One particle reflects near-infrared rays that typically cause heat in traditional paint. The second particle creates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun's rays, redirecting energy away from the vehicle into the atmosphere. Together, these particles reduce heat transfer into surfaces like the roof and doors.
Leading this development is Dr. Susumu Miura from Nissan Research Center. He has previously worked on noise-reducing materials and aims to make cars quieter and cooler. "My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy," Miura explained. "This is especially important in the EV era, where running air-conditioning can significantly impact battery charge."
Though still in testing, results have been promising. Vehicles treated with Nissan's cool paint showed up to a 21.6-degree Fahrenheit reduction in exterior surface temperature and up to 9-degree Fahrenheit cooler interiors compared to those with traditional paint. A cooler cabin means less air-conditioning run-time, reducing engine load or battery draw in electric vehicles, improving efficiency and occupant comfort.
Dr. Miura faced challenges adapting radiant cooling paint for automotive use. Traditional radiant cooling paints are thick and applied with rollers, often leaving a chalky residue without a clear topcoat. Miura had to ensure the automotive version could be sprayed on and meet Nissan's quality standards while incorporating a clear topcoat.
Development Challenges and Progress
Since starting development in 2021, Miura's team has tested over 100 samples and is currently evaluating a thickness of 120 microns—six times thicker than typical automotive paint. They have confirmed resistance to salt, chipping, peeling, scratches, chemical reactions, along with color consistency and repairability.
The cooling performance of the paint is particularly noticeable when vehicles are parked in the sun for extended periods. A cooler cabin not only enhances comfort but also reduces air-conditioning run-time needed to reach comfortable temperatures.
As development continues, Miura's team explores thinner options that maintain cooling performance. They hope the paint will eventually be available for special orders in various colours, particularly benefiting light commercial vehicles like vans and ambulances that spend most of their time driving.
Nissan's innovative cool paint represents a significant step towards more efficient vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions.
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