Goodyear showcases tyres that charge electric cars

Goodyear has unveiled special tyres for electric vehicles at this week's 85th Geneva International Motor Show.

The concept tyre – named ''BHO3'' – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tyre into electrical energy.

This is done through the action of materials in the tyre that capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions. The materials used would optimise the tyre's electricity generation capabilities as well as its rolling resistance.

As demand for electric cars grows, this technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the solution of future mobility challenges.

This tyre technology could also eliminate the vehicle-range anxiety motorists may have with electric cars.

Another concept tyre technology that Goodyear unveiled at the auto show is, what it calls Triple Tube tyre with three tubes within the tyre that adjust tyre inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions.

The tubes are located beneath the tread and near the inboard and outboard shoulders of the tyre as well as the centre. 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.

Highlights of Triple Tube:

• 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.

Though the two tyres are concept products, the futuristic technologies stretch the imagination and provide a glimpse of what practical innovations may be on the horizon.

''These concept tyres reimagine the role that tyres may play in the future,'' says 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.''

Although these tyres are future concepts, Zekoski says they represent an essential aspect of Goodyear's innovation strategy, instilling a forward-looking, market-back mindset in the company's research and development teams.

''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,'' said Zekoski.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies that manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world, employing approximately 67,000 people. It also has two Innovation Centres in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg.