The Future of Tyres: Advancement in Technology

With the world changing so rapidly, even our cars are getting advanced. Electric vehicles are replacing engine fuelled vehicles as they are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. EV’s have transformed the world of mobility. Sequentially, the tyre companies are also looking forward to bring out the best of the technology and promote sustainability. 

Electric Vehicles: Things to Know

The electric vehicles run on electricity, as the name suggests. When compared to fuel-driven cars, it produces lesser sound and emissions and requires lesser maintenance. Nonetheless, there are a few drawbacks as well.

One being, electric cars are very heavy as they have bulky batteries in them. Next, they offer instant acceleration, but, the high torque and weight strain the tyres. And so, comes in picture the changes needed in tyres for EVs. 

Since electric tyres are silent and do not make any noise, the tyre companies are working on manufacturing similar tyres as well so that they do not make noise. For instance, Tesla is now using foam in the tyres to lessen noise. Huge companies are investing millions of dollars in researching EVs, AVs and tyre compounds. 

Environment-Friendly Wheels 

Tyre companies in China are currently trying to study the material of manufacturing and are using by-products created from rice husk ashy compounds that are converted into silica. Moreover, soybean oil is also being experimented within tyres as it offers decent flexibility in cold temperatures. Also, the oil is easily miscible in the tyre compounds, saving energy in the production process. 

Another example of tyre companies going eco-friendly is that they are trying to incorporate latex from dandelion plants grown in Russia. The reason is that they have almost the same characteristics and DNA as that of natural rubber. Dandelion is easily found and requires less water and sunshine to grow. 

Further, the Goodyear scientists are researching tyres with live moss inside the sidewall. This will create oxygen while we drive. Interesting right? It happens as the tyres take moisture and water from the roads and the smart treads and open design circulate it with moss allowing photosynthesis to occur. If everything goes as per the plan, this design can be a revolution with huge environmental benefits. 

No Air Tyres

After making use of all the best technologies, one issue that still needed to be taken care of was air pressure, flat tyres, and the accidents caused due to them. So, to overcome this, companies such as Goodyear has developed air-free tyres. Non-pneumatic Car tyres St Helen started in the 1970s and were used in aircraft and NASA vehicles. Now, we have the same technology for bicycles and will soon have them for electric cars as well. Along with making tyres without air, companies are also designing the ones with sensors, making the tyres intelligent. 

The tyres used in electric vehicles need to be strong enough to hold heavyweight. They need tyres Bold with low rolling resistance to withstand the wear caused by the high torque. And so, there is a lot to be done in the area of tyres and wheels.