Could flat tires soon be a thing of the past? Michelin and General Motors have teamed up to develop a new type of tire that does not need air pressure and cannot go flat. The tire, called Uptis (Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System), is made of composite rubber and resin-embedded fibers that can withstand road hazards such as nails and glass. The tire is expected to be available for passenger vehicles by 2024.
But what makes Uptis so special, and how does it work? And what are the benefits of this airless technology for drivers, fleet owners, and the environment? Here are some answers to these questions.
Uptis: A Breakthrough Innovation in Tyre Technology
Uptis is the result of Michelin's expertise in high-tech materials and its vision for sustainable mobility. Uptis is based on a revolutionary structure that eliminates the need for air with a flexible load-bearing structure made from glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), a product of Michelin's expertise in high-tech materials. This structure is combined with an aluminum wheel and a composite rubber tread that can deliver all the performance qualities associated with a Michelin tire.
Unlike existing airless solutions, which are only suitable for low-speed professional applications, Uptis is perfectly suited to the needs of passenger cars, including electric vehicles. Uptis can handle speeds up to 130 mph, loads up to 1,100 lbs, and temperatures ranging from -40°F to 176°F.
Uptis is also designed to be connected, meaning that it can communicate with the vehicle and the driver through sensors and software. This can enable predictive maintenance, optimized performance, and enhanced safety.
Uptis: A Win-Win Solution for Drivers, Fleet Owners, and the Environment
Uptis offers many advantages for different types of users. For car drivers, Uptis means greater peace of mind and convenience, as they no longer need to worry about flat tires, pressure checks, or tire inflation. This can also reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle or stopping at the roadside with a flat.
For fleet owners and professional vehicle drivers, Uptis means increased productivity and efficiency, as they can avoid vehicle downtime and maintenance costs associated with flat tires or pressure loss. This can also improve customer satisfaction and profitability.
Uptis means a smaller ecological footprint for the environment, as it can drastically reduce the number of tires that are scrapped due to punctures or irregular wear and tear caused by poor tire pressure. According to Michelin's estimates, every year, 20% of tires are discarded as scrap due to these reasons, which amounts to 200 million tires or 2 million tonnes. That's 200 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. Uptis can save raw materials and energy used in tire production by eliminating these waste sources.