Japanese auto maker Nissan has unveiled a first with the Nissan Leaf electric car which apparently will be glowing in the dark, a result of a special paint job that is yet to be seen in the motor industry. While many car purchase decisions especially for electric cars are not based on paint, this will sure bring a defining difference to Nissan’s production.
According to the manufacturer, the special paint will promote the reduction of energy consumption by absorbing ultra-violet light from the sun and convert the energy to illuminate the car at night. The idea is to make the car visible to other motorists and is expected to last between 8 to 10 hours. Nissan has indicated that the secret formula to invent the special paint was worked on in conjunction with Starpath’s Hamish Scott and is made up of organic materials. One of the materials singled out was Strontium Aluminate, a very rare odorless solid, which is chemically and biologically inert.
Nissan has indicated that the paint which is yet to reach commercial production will last for up to 25 years with its bright results intact. While this is new to the car industry, it sure remains an interesting invention and all eyes are on the manufacturer to see the implementation.
The glowing paint has previously been used in road markings as part of an effort to keep energy consumption in check in the Netherlands. Whether it will be successfully applied to the Nissan Leaf or not is yet to be seen but it still remains a game changer and we still wonder about the car price.
