Nissan’s New Cool Paint Tech Could Increase EV Range

Cooling your car during the summer uses up a lot of energy, which isn't ideal for electric cars.

Nissan's potential energy-saving solution is an innovative new car paint designed to lower cabin temperatures by reflecting the sun’s rays, meaning less power is needed for air conditioning.

Initial testing

The special paint is being tested as part of a 12-month feasibility trial that began in November 2023 at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport.

Preliminary results have shown that vehicles treated with Nissan’s cool paint have exterior surface temperatures 12°C cooler and interior temperatures 5°C cooler than vehicles using traditional paint.

The paint's cooling effect is particularly noticeable when in direct sunlight for long periods. The cooler interior not only increases comfort for passengers but reduces the need for air-conditioning, which saves valuable battery range in electric vehicles.

How does it work?

Developed in collaboration with Radi-Cool, a leader in radiative cooling technology, the paint uses metamaterials - synthetic composites with unique properties not typically found in nature.

The secret behind Nissan’s cool paint lies in its metamaterial makeup, which includes two types of microstructure particles. The first reflects near-infrared rays that normally generate heat through molecular vibrations.

The second particle produces electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun’s rays, redirecting energy away from the vehicle and into the atmosphere. Together, these particles significantly reduce heat transfer into surfaces like the roof, doors and panels.

Is the paint practical?

Dr Susumu Miura, senior manager and expert at the Nissan Research Centre's Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, is leading the development of the paint. "My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy," Dr Miura explains. "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."

While radiant cooling paint has been used in the construction industry, it typically requires a thick application by roller and lacks a clear topcoat. Dr Miura had to overcome these challenges to adapt this technology for automotive use, ensuring it could be applied with a spray gun, include a clear topcoat and meet Nissan’s rigorous paint quality standards.

Since starting this project in 2021, Dr Miura and his team have tested over 100 samples and are currently evaluating a paint thickness of 120 microns - about six times thicker than standard automotive paint.

They have confirmed the paint’s resistance to salt, chipping, peeling, scratches and chemical reactions, as well as its colour consistency and repairability. As development continues, the team is exploring thinner options that still offer the same cooling benefits.

While testing and development are ongoing, Dr Miura and his team hope that one day this paint can be offered for special orders in a variety of colours, particularly for light commercial vehicles like vans, trucks, and ambulances that spend most of their time on the road and in the sun.

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