Nissan Launches Paints to Cool Cars

Nissan has introduced a groundbreaking paint designed to keep vehicles cooler by up to 12 degrees Celsius, addressing the growing issue of extreme heat as global temperatures rise. Launched on Tuesday, this "cool paint" aims to mitigate the discomfort and energy consumption associated with overheated cars, particularly as summers become increasingly intense. The paint is notably six times thicker than conventional car paint, which presents challenges for mass production, as standard applications typically measure around 120 micrometers. The technology behind Nissan's new paint reflects sunlight more effectively and generates electromagnetic waves that deflect solar energy away from the vehicle. This innovative approach not only helps maintain lower external and internal temperatures—reducing roof panel temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius and interior temperatures by 5 degrees Celsius—but also has the potential to decrease reliance on air conditioning, leading to energy conservation. Cooler vehicles can ease the strain on engines and prolong the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries, a crucial factor in the current automotive market. In a broader context, the development of cooling technologies is timely, as global heat records continue to be broken monthly. The last 13 months have been the hottest on record, prompting the need for effective solutions. Radi-Cool, another company, has also created cooling fabrics and coatings for various applications, including hats and sun parasols. While previous research, such as a 2021 study from Purdue University, has demonstrated the potential of cooling paints, challenges remain in making these products more accessible and competitively priced for widespread use in the automotive industry.