Nissan has unveiled Nissan LEAF with self-cleaning nano-paint technology, as part of a plan to demonstrate its potential use in future production vehicles.
The Nissan LEAF's exterior was treated with a specially engineered superhydrophobic and oleophobic paint that is designed to repel water and oils.
The 'self-cleaning' paint, known as Ultra-Ever Dry, forms a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, effectively stopping standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the LEAF's surface.
The new coating is being marketed and sold by UltraTech International. The coating has been undergoing testing by engineers at Nissan Technical Center Europe. According to the company, till date, it has responded well to common-use cases including rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water.
Currently, Nissan has no plans for the technology to be applied to Nissan vehicles as standard equipment. However, the company plans to continue to consider the coating technology as a future aftermarket option. For the North American demonstration, the paint is featured on a white Nissan LEAF.
Nissan North America product planning vice president Pierre Loing said that the 100% electric LEAF provides the perfect canvas for this new, advanced paint technology.
"This is one LEAF that never has to stop at gas stations - not even for a car wash," Loing added.
The company noted that for 2015, the zero-emissions Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels: LEAF S, SV and SL, along with option packages offering advanced systems such as Around View Monitor and seven-speaker Bose energy-efficient audio and Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant.
