From self-inflating units to designs with a dynamic configuration, there is no doubt that the best in tires is yet to come. Many companies believe that the tire can be much more than rubber and metal, and that’s how we come across two new concepts developed by Goodyear. The first can harness heat to recharge batteries while the second alters its shape according to the road conditions.
If manufacturers intend to make cars increasingly intelligent and efficient, why not extend the same strategy to tires? After all, its basic design is more than 120 years old. Obviously, over time, aspects like durability and performance on different surfaces have improved, but we still face a rubber wheel with air inside (and if necessary, an inner tube). Then there are other parameters to consider, such as vehicle weight. While traditional cars are getting lighter, electric cars weigh more due to their batteries. This brings us to the Geneva Motor Show, which is in full swing and will run until March 15. There, you can not only find the latest expressions of the automotive market, but also concepts and future projects. Two of those concepts belong to Goodyear.
BH-03: Harnessing Heat to Recharge Batteries
The first has been named BH-03, and it is a tire that combines thermoelectric and piezoelectric technology. The BH-03 can convert the heat it receives (both from sunlight and from friction during rotation) into electrical energy, which is sent directly to the batteries to restore their charge, and to this is added the piezoelectric component that transforms the energy generated by the natural deformation of the tire into electricity.
Triple Tube: Adaptive Tread
The second concept is called Triple Tube. As its name indicates, this tire is based on a system of three chambers that modify the shape of the tread according to road conditions.
- Eco mode keeps the three chambers fully inflated.
- Sporty mode reduces air on the inner side of the tire to optimize grip on inclined surfaces.
- Wet Traction mode increases air in the center of the tread, improving grip on wet surfaces.
Unfortunately, we cannot even talk about prototypes. Goodyear made it clear from the beginning that these are simple concepts, and there is nothing resembling a launch date. Even so, both tires pose more than interesting goals. Capturing additional energy is always a welcome factor for electric cars, and modifying their original shape while driving definitely falls into the category of a smart tire. Keep waiting.
