- Goodyear unveiled its latest concept tyre via livestream called the reCharge
- The tyre can 'recharge' its tread compound via a liquid capsule at the core
Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company -- the company known for the mind-shattering inventions like coloured and moss tyres, has gone one step ahead and revealed a bizarre self regenerating concept tyre for future electric vehicles that is capable of regenerating its own tread.
Basically, its an airless tyre that is constructed with a core, that houses a capsule containing a liquid biodegradable material which is connected to the tread blocks and recharges it.
That's right. Instead of a complete outer layer making up the tread, the tread is now simply constructed of biodegradable tread protrusions. Kind of like the ones found on football boots.
Furthermore, the liquid biodegradable material in the capsules is composed of fibres inspired from the strongest material known to man -- spider silk. These enable the tread blocks to be extremely durable and strong.
These liquid capsules are also customisable and can house different compounds for different types of weather, essentially meaning that you can customize your reCharge tyre to suit your requirements.
Drivers will be able to 'recharge' their tread and make their tyres brand new by simply inserting a fresh capsule filled with the liquid compound into the centre of the wheel. A feature that if ever sees the light of the day, would essentially make replacing tyres a thing of the past.
Also, since its airless, the tyre will be supported by a light-weight, non-pneumatic frame that is tall and narrow in shape. So, no more punctures or tyre pressure headaches.
The reCharge tyre is just a proposed concept and not a functional reality yet.
Also See: Electric Vehicle Tyres: What Makes Them Different
Goodyear was supposed to reveal the regenerating tyre concept at the Geneva Motor Show but the event was cancelled amid growing fears of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected around 91,000 people worldwide.
Goodyear instead unveiled the concept via livestream.
Goodyear revealed to MailOnline that as the surface of the tread wears down, the tread blocks get thinner.
This allows oxygen in the air to penetrate the outer layer and to come into contact with the liquid compound that is released from the capsule. Thus, leading to the regeneration of the tread blocks.
The oxygen is essential as it hardens the liquid compound, which leads to the regeneration of the old tread blocks into new ones.
Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Europe, commented: 'Goodyear wants the tyre to be an even more powerful contributor to answering consumers' specific mobility needs.
'It was with that ambition that we set out to create a concept tyre primed for the future of personalised and convenient electric mobility.'
Sebastien Fontaine, Lead Designer at the Goodyear Innovation Centre in Luxembourg added, 'The Goodyear reCharge is a concept tyre without compromise, supporting personalised, sustainable and hassle-free electric mobility,'
The concept ensures the continuation of Goodyear's track record of making unusual concept tyres to showcase to the entire world.
