Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro Nissan, in collaboration with Radi-Cool, introduces an innovative paint that lowers the interior temperature of cars, improving comfort and energy efficiency
@Nissan
Nissan has developed an innovative paint in collaboration with Radi-Cool, which significantly reduces the internal temperature of cars during the summer months. This paint uses synthetic metamaterials with unique properties not found in nature, marking a significant advancement in the search for solutions to improve passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.
Year-long testing underway
The testing, which began in November 2023 at Tokyo International Air Terminal in Haneda, will last for 12 months and includes participation from Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., Radi-Cool Japan, and All Nippon Airways (ANA). The paint has been applied to a Nissan NV100 vehicle operated by ANA, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate its performance in a real-world environment with high temperatures.
Surprising results in preliminary tests
Preliminary tests have already shown impressive results: a vehicle treated with Nissan’s cooling paint registered external surface temperatures 21.6°F lower and internal temperatures 9°F lower than a vehicle with traditional paint. These improvements are particularly evident after prolonged exposure to the sun, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning and, consequently, fuel consumption in combustion vehicles and battery energy in electric vehicles.
The cooling properties of the paint stem from the combined action of two microstructure particles: one reflects near-infrared solar rays, reducing heat generation within the resin, and the other creates electromagnetic waves that dissipate heat. This synergy allows the external surfaces of the vehicle to cool down, improving internal comfort.
Dr. Susumu Miura, Senior Manager and expert at the Nissan Research Center, led the development of this innovative technology. Miura, already known for developing award-winning acoustic materials for noise reduction, has focused his efforts on creating quieter, cooler, and more efficient cars. Miura stated:
“My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy. This is particularly important for electric vehicles, where using air conditioning in summer can significantly impact battery charge.”
One of the main challenges for Miura and his team was developing a paint light enough to be applied with a spray gun while maintaining high quality standards. Since 2021, the team has tested over 100 samples and is currently working to achieve a paint thickness of 4.7 mils, ensuring resistance to salt, chipping, scratches, and color retention.
Broader applications
Beyond cars, Nissan’s cooling paint could also offer significant benefits for light commercial vehicles, trucks, and ambulances, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption in high-temperature conditions.
Source: Nissan
