Years ago we mentioned that Nissan was working on a car capable of changing its color. In mid-2014, the Japanese manufacturer decided to apply Ultra-Ever Dry to its Leaf model to keep it clean in the harshest conditions. Now comes Starpath, a new paint that absorbs ultraviolet light during the day and glows for between eight and ten hours once the sun goes down.
Over the years, cars have become a canvas for millions of enthusiasts experimenting with all kinds of customization. From simple tweaks to full transformations, the only limit is imagination. Unsurprisingly, manufacturers have picked up the gauntlet and, at their own pace, are exploring design improvements that go beyond mechanics. One such manufacturer is Nissan. In 2007 it told us about “chameleon cars”, in April 2014 we saw it apply a special protective coating to keep the chassis clean, and now it presents Starpath. At first glance, the electric Nissan Leaf doesn't look altered, but come nightfall, let's just say the Leaf doesn't get lost in the dark.
Nissan acknowledges that glow-in-the-dark paints aren't new, but Starpath sets itself apart for two very important reasons. First, Starpath “recharges” with ultraviolet light during the day, producing a glow that lasts between eight and ten hours. Second, Nissan has managed to develop Starpath using organic materials. The official announcement highlights that the base is strontium aluminate, a powder ten times brighter than copper-activated zinc sulfide, but also ten times more expensive. Should Starpath leave its prototype phase and reach the market, Nissan says the paint will remain effective for 25 years.
Why did Nissan decide to do this? Basically to celebrate the rise in popularity of solar energy as the main way to recharge the electric version of the Leaf. Official Nissan numbers show that 89 percent of Leaf owners recharge their vehicles at night, but with a solar-based battery system combined with subsidies for excess energy fed back into the grid, owning a Leaf costs a sixth of what a gasoline or diesel car would demand.
Official announcement: Official announcement
