Michelin, GM develop airless wheel prototype

 

 

Michelin (Clermont-Ferrand, France) and General Motors (Detroit, Mich., U.S.) recently developed a prototype of their airless wheel technology for passenger vehicles, called the Michelin Uptis Prototype. The wheel, expected to be ready for production by 2024, comprises a combination of resin-embedded fiberglass, composite rubber and aluminum in an airless design for the weight and speeds of passenger vehicles. 

Michelin and GM are testing the Uptis Prototype, beginning with vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Later this year, the companies say they will initiate real-world testing of Uptis on a test fleet of Bolt EV vehicles in Michigan.

The wheel assembly is intended to make driving safer by eliminating the risk, downtime and maintenance associated with flat tires and blowouts, as well as reducing the use of raw materials for the production of replacement tires. The wheel is also designed for use with autonomous and electric vehicles.

The Uptis Prototype represents an advancement toward achieving Michelin’s VISION concept, which was presented at the Movin’On Summit in 2017 as an illustration of Michelin’s strategy for research and development in sustainable mobility. The VISION concept introduced four main pillars of innovation: airless, connected, 3D-printed and 100% sustainable (entirely renewable or biosourced materials).

“Uptis demonstrates that Michelin’s vision for a future of sustainable mobility is clearly an
achievable dream,” says Florent Menegaux, CEO for Michelin Group.

“General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology,” says Steve Kiefer, senior vice president, global purchasing and supply chain, General Motors. “Uptis is an ideal fit for propelling the automotive industry into the future and a great example of how our customers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supplier partners.”