Nissan unveils first glow-in-the-dark car

12.00 | 16 February 2015 | | 6 comments

Nissan is claiming to be the first vehicle manufacturer to apply glow-in-the-dark car paint to a car, its all-electric model, the Nissan LEAF. 

Nissan has worked on the project with the inventor Hamish Scott, who has created Starpath, a spray-applied coating that absorbs UV energy during the day so that it glows for between eight and 10 hours when the sun goes down.

Starpath is also being used to create glow-in-the-dark cycle paths in Cambridge. 

Nissan says that while glowing car paint and glow-in-the-dark car wraps are already available, the bespoke, ultraviolet-energised paint created for Nissan is unique as a result of its formula made up of entirely organic materials.

The manufacturer says that while various third-party companies have applied non-organic glow-in-the-dark paint to vehicles before, Nissan is the first car maker to directly apply such technology.

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    I agree with Eric and Derek. At a recent election count those counting the votes were all wearing Hi-Viz jackets (I kid you not). We are close to the point of being more conspicuous when not wearing one!


    Idris Francis Fight Back With Facts Petersfield
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    I agree with Eric. The dazzle factor of vehicles driven around in daylight let alone dusk and at dawn with bright lamps hides factors that would otherwise have been seen. Where does being conspicuous become a distracting hazard that hides the less conspicuous? Road users should be trained to see all hazards, not just the lit or brightly dressed ones. Headlines and images take attention away from what is in the small print.


    Derek Reynolds, Salop.
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    While making the Leaf glow improves its visibility, it has the potential to distract and make nearby conventionally painted parked cars less noticable.

    I wonder if it will also encourage Leaf drivers not to turn on their lights to save battery? This week I have encountered two Leaf models with just their front driving lights (no rear lights) in the gloom before 7am.

    The idea of making road markings more visible is commendable but the application to car bodywork is a gimmick and possibly a hazard.


    Eric Bridgstock, Independent Road Safety Researcher, St Albans
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    Thanks guys.. we are also using this technology to develop Photo-Luminescent roadmarking. See video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzHUk_jz9UY


    Aram, Guildford
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    Can they do one for motorcycles – we need all the illumination and conspicuity we can get.


    Bob Craven Lancs…. Space is Safe Campaigner
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    Lovely blue … I want one!


    VB
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