Nanofluids are the next-generation energy-transfer substrate due to their exceptional thermodynamic properties. The study of heat transfer on stretched surfaces is important due to its applications in industry, manufacturing, and medicine. The flow across a nonlinear stretched surface with different thicknesses is examined in this study to analyze the impacts of magnetic and electrical field, joule heating, viscous dissipation, and thermal radiation by considering Cu/water as nanofluid. To explore the physical characteristics, initially the mathematical model of the problem is evaluated and cataloged all of its features. Basic flow equations and fundamental rules were used to formulate the considered problem. The flow-controlling “partial differential equations” (PDEs) are transformed into a set of non-dimensional ordinary differential equations” (ODEs) via appropriate non-similar transformations. By utilizing the local non-similarity procedure operating bvp4c, the mathematical model is reconstructed. Physical representations of temperature as well as velocity profiles show how various emerging parameters interact with the flow. It is perceived that when the strength of the magnetic field grows, the velocity of nanoparticles decreases. However, as the electric field’s strength progresses and the velocity distribution does as well, the temperature profile for the nanomaterials rises. The radiation factor enhances the temperature field. The presence of time- and space-dependent characteristics for radiation, heat production increases as the fluid temperature rises. The authors investigate the procedure for replicating the dimensionless non-similar framework adopting the local non-similarity procedure. As per the author’s observations, there is currently no comparable study available in the literature for the flow model under consideration. This research holds significant potential for researchers engaged in the exploration of industrial applications of nanofluids, particularly within geophysical and geothermic domains, solar water heating technologies, biomedical applications, and other interdisciplinary fields.