We’re not too far away from having airless tyres

MANILA: Michelin, the French tyre manufacturer, has introduced a conceptual airless tyre. If the plan goes ahead as expected, we could see the final product in the markets across the world by 2024. Airless tyres are not a new commodity at all, as manufacturers have been trying to build these much convenient, puncture proof, and easy on the environment tyres from quite some time now.

The manufacturer has named the airless tyre “Michelin Uptis” and joined hands with General Motors for testing the concept before releasing the final product. General Motors will be testing the futuristic airless tyre on its Chevrolet Bolt EV in Michigan until the final product is ready to be supplied to the market, which, as we mentioned earlier, should happen by 2024.

Thanks to the airless technology, the Michelin Uptis tyres will not only last longer but also completely throw the risks of flats and blowouts out of the context. Moreover, as there is no air inside the tyre, irregular wear and tear will also be eliminated which is generally caused due to incorrect air pressure.

"We're focusing initially on electric vehicles because we think it fits very well with the zero-zero-zero vision. The Bolt EV and our next-generation BEV are really the platform for that, so it's logical at first place. Whatever the temperature, the profile of the tire will be exactly the same. So it's a very stable solution.

No pressure check, no pressure adjustment. You always have the right pressure, so the tire will have a longer life”, said Steven Kiefer, senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain at General Motors.

“This is a revolutionary prototype. We have proved that this concept isn’t a dream. This will bring less stress and more peace of mind – knowing that there is no longer the risk of finding yourself on the side of the road because of a flat tyre”, said Michelin executive vice president Erick Vinesse.

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