Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company showed off two brand-new concept tires at last week’s Geneva International Motor Show, with the potential to revolutionize the way we drive, particularly pertaining to electric vehicles.
The first concept tire, the BHO3, pictured above, revolves around the idea of transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into useful energy for electric vehicles.
Obviously, this is potentially a breakthrough concept because the tires would essentially charge the car, eliminating much of the vehicle-range anxiety many people seem to experience with electric cars.
As demand for electric cars grows, this technology has the potential to contribute significantly to the solution of future mobility challenges.
The second concept tire, the Triple Tube, pictured below, features three internal tubes within the tire (DUH) and is capable of adjusting tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions.
The tire automatically adjusts – on its own – to three different positions based on road conditions:
- The Eco/Safety position – with maximum inflation in all three tubes – offers reduced rolling resistance.
- The Sporty position – with reduced inflation within the inboard shoulder tube – gives drivers dry handling through an optimized contact patch.
- The Wet Traction position – with maximized inflation in the center tube – provides high aquaplaning resistance through a raised tread in the center of the tire.
“These concept tires reimagine the role that tires may play in the future,” said Joe Zekoski, Goodyear’s senior vice president and chief technical officer. “We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile.”
“It is more important than ever for us to stay firmly rooted in our market-back innovation process, which calls on us to focus on, and anticipate, the rapidly evolving needs of our customers,” Zekoski added.
