We have said little about the tires of the future, despite the fact that the wheel was one of the great inventions of human beings since it completely transformed the way we transport and move. New technologies and the evolution of materials have been changing the manufacture of tires and we are possibly facing a radical change for the future of this sector. The use of biological and/or biodegradable materials in the tire production mode is becoming more and more common.
Less than a year ago, the tire design and production company, Michelin, launched the VISION project, the objective of which was to create a new tire that is more efficient and less harmful to the environment. Now, Michelin and General Motors have presented the ‘Uptis’ project, a tire that does not need air and has no risk of punctures.
Marketing by 2024
Although at the moment it is only a prototype, both companies want to introduce it to the market for all passengers from 2024 and carry out the first tests at the end of this year with a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles.
“Uptis is an adjustment to propel the automotive industry into the future and an example of how our customers can benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our partners,” said Steve Kiefer, senior vice president of the supply chain, General Motors.
Uptis tires, whose investment has been 40.7 million euros, eliminate the risk of punctures and reduce the number of materials needed for their production, which would consume much less energy to manufacture them and increase their durability and efficiency.
Michelin’s goal is to reduce puncture repair, as well as your time, as they can be repaired through 3D printing. It’s certainly a big step in the future of tires, but we will still have to wait a few years to see these wheels on our cars.