Michelin and General Motors have presented a new generation of airless wheel technology, the MICHELIN Uptis Prototype (or “Unique Puncture-proof Tire System”).
GM intends to develop this airless wheel assembly with Michelin and aims to introduce it on passenger vehicles as early as 2024.
Later this year, GM will initiate real-world testing and validation of the Uptis Prototype on a Michigan test fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EVs.
Airless technology makes the Uptis Prototype eliminate flats and blowouts.
The companies claim Uptis offers significant potential for reducing the use of raw materials and waste and reduces the number of punctured or damaged tyres that are scrapped before reaching the end of their life cycle.
This in turn reduces the use of raw materials, energy for production and emissions linked to the manufacture of spare tyres and replacement tyres that are no longer required.
“General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology,” said 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.”
