The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced to improve the driving experience. One of the latest developments comes from Nissan, who is working on a revolutionary new type of exterior automotive paint that uses electromagnetic waves to keep both the surface and interior of the car cooler. While still in the testing phase, the preliminary results of this new paint are very promising.
Nissan is collaborating with Radi-Cool, a company that specializes in cooling products, to develop this innovative paint. While radiative paint is not a new concept and has been used on buildings for years to keep interiors cooler, the application process for cars is different. Traditional radiative paint is very thick and lacks the durability and shine of automotive finishes. However, Nissan’s new formula is designed to be used in spray guns and works with clear topcoats. It is six times thicker than standard automotive paint and contains two microstructure components that contribute to its cooling ability.
The first component of the paint is designed to reflect near-infrared rays, a common way to reduce heat. The second component is where the magic happens, as it generates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun’s rays and prevent heat transfer to other parts of the car. Dr. Susumu Miura, the senior manager of the project, envisions creating cooler cars without consuming extra energy, especially important in the era of electric vehicles where running air conditioning in the summer can significantly impact battery life.
While Nissan has not disclosed the specifics of how the paint generates electromagnetic waves, the results speak for themselves. Cars coated with this special paint have shown a temperature drop of 12 degrees Celsius on the exterior surface and a 5-degree drop in interior temperature. These significant reductions in heat make for a more comfortable driving experience, particularly in hot climates.
As exciting as this new technology is, it is still in development, with Nissan working on making the paint thinner for easier application. So, while you may not be able to order a new Z or Rogue with this “cool” paint job just yet, it’s only a matter of time before this cutting-edge innovation hits the market. Stay tuned for more updates on Nissan’s groundbreaking electromagnetic wave cooling paint technology.