Nissan is trialing a groundbreaking automotive paint designed to reduce vehicle cabin temperatures and lower air conditioning energy usage. Developed with Radi-Cool, a specialist in radiative cooling products, this paint incorporates metamaterials—synthetic composite materials exhibiting unique properties.
Starting in November 2023, Nissan initiated a 12-month feasibility study at Tokyo International Air Terminal, Haneda. Partnering 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.
The trial aims to evaluate the paint’s effectiveness in a high-temperature environment, and early results are promising. Vehicles treated with the paint have shown up to a 12-degree Celsius reduction in exterior surface temperatures and up to 5-degree Celsius cooler interiors compared to those with traditional paint. This cooling performance is especially beneficial when vehicles are parked in the sun, as it reduces the air conditioning runtime needed to achieve a comfortable cabin temperature, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and occupant comfort.
READ MORE: Can the 2025 Nissan Frontier’s Enhanced Features Keep It Competitive Against New Rivals?
The innovation lies in the metamaterial embedded in the paint. One microstructure particle reflects near-infrared rays that typically cause heat buildup, while the other particle redirects energy away from the vehicle. Together, they significantly reduce heat transfer to the vehicle’s surfaces.
Dr. Susumu Miura, a senior manager and expert at Nissan’s Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, leads this development. Known for his work on noise-reducing materials, Miura aims to create cooler cars without extra energy consumption. This is particularly crucial in the electric vehicle era, where air conditioning can impact battery charge.
Adapting radiant cooling paint for automotive use presented challenges, such as ensuring it could be applied with a spray gun and meet Nissan’s stringent paint quality standards. Since 2021, Miura’s team has tested over 100 samples and confirmed resistance to various damages while maintaining color consistency and repairability. They continue to explore thinner options that maintain cooling performance.
The goal is to offer this paint for special orders in various colors, with significant potential for light commercial vehicles like vans, trucks, and ambulances.
For more details, contact Nissan Japan Communications at nissan_japan_communications@mail.nissan.co.jp. Visit Nissan Global for information on products, services, and sustainable mobility commitments. Follow Nissan on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates.
Source: Nissan Trials Innovative Cool Paint Technology to Enhance Vehicle Efficiency
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
