Goodyear concept tyres provide a look into the future

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has unveiled two new concept tyres that provide a glimpse of the changing role of car tyres in the future.

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 tyre generates electricity 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.

The BH03 concept tyre.

The second concept, named ‘Triple Tube’, contains three tubes (or air chambers) that adjust tyre inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions. The tyre relies on an internal pump that moves air from the main air chamber to the three individual tubes. The tyre automatically adjusts to three different positions (Eco/Safety, Sporty and Wet Traction) based on road conditions.

The Triple Tube concept tyre.

“These concept tyres reimagine the role that tyres 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.”