- A new type of paint could lower vehicle cabin temperatures
- Lower cabin temperatures could reduce EV energy consumption
- The paint might make it to production, but on a special-order basis
Nissan is testing paint that could help lower cabin temperatures and reduce energy use from air conditioning.
The paint incorporates “metamaterial,” a composite that contains two types of particles that react to light, according to Nissan. One particle reflects near-infrared rays from sunlight that would typically cause heat-generating molecular-level vibrations in paint resin. The other redirects energy away from the surface via electromagnetic rays.
Together, the two particles reduce the transfer of heat into painted surfaces, Nissan claims. Parked side-by-side in sunlight, a vehicle with the cooling paint showed a 21.6-degree Fahrenheit reduction in exterior surface temperature and a 9-degree Fahrenheit reduction in cabin temperature, according to the automaker.
Nissan tests cool paint technology
The paints ability to keep surfaces cooler is particularly helpful when vehicles are parked in the sun for long periods of time, Nissan notes, as it requires less use of the air conditioning system to cool the interior. That reduces the load on the engine in combustion cars, and the energy draw from the battery pack in EVs.
This type of cooling paint isn’t new, but it’s typically used only for buildings, Nissan explains in the release. It’s often very thick, requiring a paint roller to apply, and lacks a top clear coat like automotive paint, leaving a chalky residue when touched.
Nissan began developing an automotive version in 2021, testing over 100 samples. The current iteration, which Nissan began testing in November 2023 at Japan’s Tokyo-Haneda Airport, is approximately six times thicker than typical automotive paint, at 120 microns. But it can still be applied with a spray gun, and meets Nissan’s standards for resisting chipping, scratches, and salt and chemical damage, as well as repairability.
Nissan will continue development work to create thinner versions of the paint with an eye toward use on production vehicles. However, it’s likely to be a special-order item for fleet vehicles that spend more time outside, the automaker suggests.
In addition to the greater energy demand for constant air conditioning use, EV batteries can degrade faster in hot weather. But they don’t fail suddenly and cause people to get stuck. Steps like parking in the shade and leaving the battery half-charged if you have to leave a car out in the heat can also help keep your battery pack safe and cool in high temperatures.
