Exciting breakthrough: Nissan’s Cool Paint Could Revolutionise Summer Driving

​YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan is breaking new ground with an innovative automotive paint designed to keep vehicles cool during the sweltering summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning and boosting energy efficiency.

In partnership with Radi-Cool, a leader in radiative cooling technology, Nissan has developed a cutting-edge paint that incorporates metamaterials—synthetic materials with extraordinary properties not found in nature. This groundbreaking project is part of Nissan’s commitment to pioneering innovations that enhance driving experiences and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Since November 2023, Nissan has been running a 12-month feasibility trial at Tokyo International Air Terminal, Haneda. Collaborating with Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., Radi-Cool Japan, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), Nissan applied this cool paint to a Nissan NV100 service vehicle operated by ANA. The bustling tarmac at Haneda Airport provides the perfect setting for testing the paint's performance under extreme temperatures.

The results so far have been nothing short of remarkable. In side-by-side comparisons, vehicles coated with Nissan’s cool paint have shown up to a 12-degree Celsius reduction in exterior surface temperatures and up to a 5-degree Celsius cooler interior compared to vehicles with traditional paint. The cooling effect is particularly striking when a vehicle has been parked in the sun for extended periods—making the cabin not only more comfortable but also less reliant on air conditioning. This reduces engine load or, in electric vehicles, conserves battery power, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced occupant comfort.

The secret to this cool paint lies in its embedded metamaterials, which contain two types of microstructure particles. One particle reflects near-infrared rays from sunlight, preventing heat buildup. The second particle delivers the real innovation: it generates electromagnetic waves that redirect heat away from the vehicle and into the atmosphere. Together, these particles drastically reduce heat transfer to the vehicle's surfaces.

​Dr. Susumu Miura, a senior manager and expert at the Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory at Nissan Research Centre, is spearheading this development. Miura, who previously led the creation of Nissan’s award-winning noise-reducing acoustic material, has dedicated his career to making vehicles quieter, cooler, and more efficient. "My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy," Miura shared. "This is especially crucial in the EV era, where air conditioning can significantly impact battery charge."

Although radiant cooling paint isn’t new, its application in the automotive industry is. Typically used on buildings, this paint is thick and lacks a protective clear coat, often leaving a chalky residue. Miura's challenge was to create a version suitable for cars—one that could be spray-applied, withstand the elements, and meet Nissan’s rigorous standards.

Since starting the project in 2021, Miura and his team have tested over 100 samples and are currently working with a 120-micron thick version, six times thicker than conventional automotive paint. They have confirmed the paint's resistance to salt, chips, scratches, and chemical reactions, while also ensuring colour consistency and repairability. As development continues, they are exploring thinner options that deliver the same cooling performance.

While still in testing, the team envisions this cool paint becoming available for special orders in various colours, with significant potential for commercial vehicles like vans, trucks, and ambulances that spend hours on the road under the sun. This exciting development could be a game-changer for summer driving, offering a cooler, more energy-efficient ride.