Michelin first revealed the concept almost 20 years ago and has regularly revealed details of the radical new design, but this is the first time members of the public have been allowed to drive a production car on its radical new tyres.
The advantages of airless technology apparent: Firstly, the elimination of tyre problems caused by under or over-inflation, including punctures and blowouts (Michelin says some 200 million tyres are scrapped every year due to these problems alone). Secondly, no air means no tyre pressure checks. Michelin has finally given ‘certain lucky members of the public’ the opportunity to drive an electric Mini on its new, Uptis airless tyres at the IAA Motorhow in Munich, Germany. Michelin first revealed the concept almost 20 years ago and has regularly revealed details of the radical new design, but this is the first time members of the public have been allowed to drive a production car on its radical new tyres.
Michelin says the new tyres require fewer raw materials and less energy to manufacture, which has obvious environmental benefits. Additionally, they’re estimated to last three times longer than conventional tyres.
Uptis (Unique Puncture-Proof Tyre System) is a full-wheel system requiring specialised rims that adds only some seven percent to the wheel’s weight. Michelin claims the tyres can withstand significantly greater impacts than regular tyres, have a dramatically longer life span, and no rolling resistance and do not feel any different to the driver.
Featuring a conventional looking tread, the tyres have a myriad of ‘spokes’ that support it on the rim. Michelin says these are tuneable, to meet differing performance characteristics, like cornering, braking, acceleration and impact resistance. For some vehicles, Michelin says they will even eliminate the need for a suspension system. You can see through the tyres from the side, whilst the tread can have holes in it to allow water to escape more efficiently.
Although simple in concept, the technology has proven difficult to commercialise. Michelin has been working with General Motors on the Uptis tyre’s design and they will first appear on GM products in the US, “As early as 2024”, subject to State and Federal Government regulatory approvals. Unusually for a brand-new automotive technology release, those who drove on the new tyres reported an experience the same as any other tyre, which is exactly what Michelin was hoping for. No word yet on Uptis airless tyres for light or heavy commercial vehicles, or when they will appear in Australia.