Though funky-looking airless tyres have been around for a while – Michelin has been developing them since 2005 – none have yet been fitted to a regular road car available to the\u00a0masses.<\/p>\n
But apparently, that\u2019s all going to change in 2024, which is when Michelin and GM aim to introduce a version of their \u2018Uptis\u2019 tyre (unique puncture-proof tyre system) that sufficiently replicates the characteristics of a normal, air-filled\u00a0tyre.<\/p>\n
Michelin says the Uptis tyre, which is made from composite rubber and resin-embedded fibreglass, can \u201cbear a car\u2019s weight at road-going speeds\u201d thanks to material and structure improvements. Previous iterations of airless tyre could not support as much weight, or travel at high-enough\u00a0speeds.<\/p>\n
The benefits of a tyre without air in it are many and varied. GM and Michelin say the risk of punctures and blow-outs will be totally eliminated, as will excessive, life-shortening wear caused by under- or\u00a0over-inflation.<\/p>\n
All that means tyres can be replaced much less often, so fewer can be produced – the raw materials, energy and emissions required to do so saved. Michelin claims some 200 million tyres are prematurely scrapped every year because of\u00a0damage.<\/p>\n
Airless tyres will also be good for autonomous cars, which \u201cwill demand near-zero maintenance from the tyre to maximise their operating\u00a0capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later this year the companies will start real-world testing airless tyres on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt\u00a0EVs.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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