Michelin has partnered with General Motors to make a new generation of airless wheel technology for passenger vehicles that would be puncture-proof which is better for the environment, and minimize danger on roads.
The Michelin and General Motors also announced a joint research agreement under which they are testing the Uptis Prototype, beginning with vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, in real-world conditions.
Michelin with General Motors aim to introduce Uptis on passenger models early as 2024.
How Radical Airless Tyres Work?
The Radical Airless Tyres call ‘Unique Puncture-proof Tire System’ or Uptis in short form are re-engineer for today’s passenger vehicles which is also well suits to the vehicles and fleets of future whether autonomous, electric, all will demand near-zero maintenance from the tyre to maximize their operating capabilities.
Unique Puncture-proof Tire System or Uptis tyre are made from composite rubber and resin-embedded fibreglass, can “bear a car’s weight at road-going speeds” which is due to material and structure improvements.
Airless tyre system would eliminate the risk of punctures and blow-outs as well reduce excessive, life-shortening wear cause by under or over-inflation.
Unique Puncture-proof Tire System adds that nearly 200 million tyres worldwide are scrap prematurely every year due to punctures and uneven wear.
The Utis is a production-ready version which Michelin unveiled in 2005 and promised performance levels beyond those possible with conventional pneumatic technology.
Michelin claims the Uptis tyre won’t feel much different to a car driver as it weighs about the same as a standard tyre.
Advantages of Radical Airless Tyres
Advantage of using airless tyres is that people don’t have to worry about a flat tyre because tyres without air can’t go flat.
Car drivers will feel safe and secure on the road due to flat tyres and air loss failures that result from punctures or road hazards.
As you won’t be changing or repairing a tyres resulting there won’t be any need to carry a spare tyres.
This could free up trunk space which means less weight and better mileage.
The design and materials in airless tyres are also expect to yield sustainability benefits like reducing the number of tyres that are to scrap and reducing overall raw materials and energy use in tyre production.
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