SEMA 2015: Chevrolet Camaro Krypton concept

Electroluminescent paint technology has been available for a couple of years but hasn’t become popular possibly because the paint is very expensive.

Here’s how it actually works. An electrical current passes through the paint that excites a chemical in the paint that emits light. Let’s say it glows.

To literally highlight the technology, Chevrolet painted each door of its Camaro Krypton concept for this year's SEMA show with a pattern of bowties within a dark green exterior coat.

Electroluminescent paint reacts immediately to current flow, so you can actually turn the painted graphics on and off.

Seen here on the new 2016 Camaro that Australians appear likely never to have access to, it also feels smooth to the touch just like metallic or pearl paint, and when the current flow is off, it looks like a normal coat of paint.

According to Chevrolet technicians, an 18-volt electric charge passes through the paint at a current flow of about 30 milliamps.

Despite the low current flow, the paint will completely drain a 12-volt car battery in about six hours if left on.

Chevy, which also showed a number of other concepts on the eve of the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas this week, recommends using a deep-cycle battery that’s separate from the car’s main battery to power up your paint.

Read more SEMA 2015 news on motoring.com.au