Nissan’s Self-Cleaning Car Could Kill Off Car Washing Forever
Is the car wash a thing of the past? Nissan is testing a self-cleaning nanotech paint that repels dirt. Nissan describes it as a superhydrophobic and oleophobic paint, meaning it repels water and oils. A Nissan Note subcompact is being tested in Europe with half the car treated and the other half with just its normal paint. Photos and a Nissan video show the treated half is markedly cleaner.
Nissan says it’s the first automaker to use the technology, called Ultra-Ever Dry, on car bodywork, creating a protective barrier between the car paint and the outside world. It stops most water and grime from sticking and creating marks on the car. The Nissan Note is similar to the Nissan Versa Note sold here.
Nissan is working with UltraTech International, a Florida company specializing in enviromental compliance products including spill containment. According to the company, “Ultra-Ever Dry is a superhydrophobic and oleophobic coating that will completely repel almost any liquid. Ultra-Ever Dry uses proprietary omniphobic technology to coat an object and create a barrier of air on its surface. This barrier repels water, oil and other liquids unlike any coating.” You can’t buy it yet as a consumer, but if you could, the company says it’s good for lots of things, like shoes that need to stay dry and tools. For use outdoors, ice has a hard time building up. Imagine if with one flick of your finger the overnight snowfall on a car slides right off.
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