Image credit – Steve Fecht for General Motors
The problem with the tires for our vehicles is that they rely on air to keep its shape. This means that should it ever get torn, broken, or punctured, it’d be out of commission. Sure, there are some more expensive tires that can reinflate itself where it will allow drivers to drive themselves to a nearby mechanic to get it fixed.
However, this is only a temporary solution, but GM and Michelin might have the answer in the form of airless tires that they are hoping to bring to consumer vehicles by 2024. Dubbed the Uptis Prototype (Unique Puncture-proof Tire System), this is a tire that does not rely on air which eliminates problems such as flats and blowouts.
Not only is this theoretically safer, but according to GM and Michelin, this will also help to reduce the amount of raw materials and waste involved in the making of tires. This is because these tires will last longer which in turn means we won’t need to change them as often.
According to Steve Kiefer, senior vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at GM, “General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology. Uptis is an ideal fit for propelling the automotive industry into the future and a great example of how our customers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supplier partners.”