We've seen so much being done in the area of bringing out cars that will chart the path to a greener future. There technologies are already in place if you look at electric cars and most of them are about batteries conserving that power to improve its cycle. But did anybody ever think about tyres in all this? Well, Goodyear has, and at the Geneva Motor Show they showcased two new concepts.
The first concept - named BHO3 - offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tyre into electrical energy. The materials used would optimize the tyre's electricity generation capabilities as well as its rolling resistance. As demand for electric cars grows, this technology by Goodyear has the potential to significantly contribute to the solution of future mobility challenges. This visionary tyre technology could eliminate the vehicle-range anxiety motorists may have with electric cars.
The second concept - named Triple Tube - contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility. Tubes are located beneath the tread and near the inboard and outboard shoulders of the tire as well as the center. The tyre relies on an internal pump that moves air from the main air chamber to the three individual air chambers, or tubes.
The tyre automatically adjusts - on its own - to three different positions based on road conditions. It features 3 internal tubes within the tyre a) The Eco/Safety position - with maximum inflation in all three tubes - offers reduced rolling resistance. b) The Sporty position - with reduced inflation within the inboard shoulder tube - gives drivers dry handling through an optimized contact patch. c) The Wet Traction position - with maximized inflation in the center tube - provides high aquaplaning resistance through a raised tread in the center of the tyre.
Both the tyres are concepts currently but have the potential to become part of Goodyear's product line-up. There is still a lot of R&D on the cards but for a future of sustainable mobility, we see this technology playing a huge part.
