The Future of Car wheels

Flatcar wheels have become old and new wheel technologies are emerging. Tire tech and car wheels are headed in a new airless direction. The Unique Puncture Proof Tire System (Uptis) also called airless or non-pneumatic tires is expected to hit the market in 2024. The UPTIS is an air-less tire prototype developed by Michelin and General motors. The two companies are expected to have started tests later in 2021 on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EV cars in Michigan.

Michigan is no stranger to airless car wheels. The Tweel technology has been around since 2012. But it was for construction and agricultural vehicles and equipment. Uptis is the passenger vehicle adaption of Tweel. Airless tires like the ones produced by Tannus are already used in bicycles. And 3D printer manufacturer Big Rep has proved that printing airless tires for bicycles and motorbikes could actually be a feasible idea. Even NASA’s non-pneumatic wheels originally designed for planetary rovers are being tested on passenger vehicles on Earth.

There is a strong case for non-pneumatic car wheels. The rise of shared and autonomous mobility requires very low maintenance equipment because passengers on shared or autonomous rides should not be expected to perform any inspections or repairs. The other reason is environmental. According to Michelin, around 200 million tires are scrapped each year prematurely due to punctures and irregular wear. But if airless car wheels go mainstream it could mean a significant reduction in the use of energy. As well as this will make a significant difference in the raw materials used to produce spare car wheels. 

The Uptis has a traditional tire tread pattern as found on any other car wheel in the world but the actual body of the tire is made up of rubber spokes. The rubber acts as a mini shock absorber and acts as an extension for the suspension to not hit the ground. These car wheels are extremely durable and can withstand potholes and sharp hard road edges with no damage to the car rims. The Uptis are used in military vehicles, bicycles, agriculture and now will be manufactured for daily used vehicles starting with electric vehicles. Prototypes are being made which are being tested under a controlled environment. These tires will not rupture and need less maintenance. It does not need pressure control. It requires extra raw material and causes less pollution.

Well, a major drawback of airless tires would be chasing a criminal car. Usually, police stop a car by tapping the chasing car from the back to break its momentum stop the car. The other way is to use spikes. But in the case of airless tires, these spikes won't work and the police department will have to come up with a new strategy.

Conclusion:

The airless tires are the way forward for the future of car wheels. But this interesting technology is still in an incubator and needs some time to be introduced in the wheel industry. The airless tires not only save the environment but also raw materials and some bucks in terms of maintaining the car wheels during its lifetime. One can always go for different wheel options as one desires. Factory Wheel Warehouse has to offer a lot of different wheel options depending upon the model, year, style, color, and finishing of the car wheel. For professional customer services about rims and wheels call us at +1 518-579-9260. For car rim repair services Elite of Albany is the best in town so make sure to check them out.

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