It could even happen within the next three to five year.
Michelin intends to commercially introduce the Unique Punctureproof Tire System (Uptis) in the next few year’s. This could be done at the launch the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt. Alexis Garcin (president of Michelin North America) confirmed this, or should I say a wish. Garcin said that Michelin wants to “bring the next generation Chevrolet Bolt with the use of airless tires” in an interview with CNN Business. It is possible to happen within the next three to five year, he said. Of note, Chevrolet has
The Bolt has been refreshed In 2021, it will be joined by the Bolt EUV, which is slightly more powerful. However, Chevrolet is not yet confirming the timeline or if a new model will be available before 2025. A new Chevy with airless tires is possible, though it’s unlikely, given that Michelin used the Bolt in 2019 as its testbed. The Michelin Uptis tires are not only used by the Chevy Bolt. In 2021, a Mini Cooper SE was able to drive on public roads wearing the rubber that is airless and sidewall-less.
Although the Michelin Uptis airless tires are only officially introduced in 2019, their development dates back over a decade. Cyrille Roget, Michelin’s Group Technical and Scientific Communication director, explained that the Uptis is composed of spokes and belts. The latter are made from thin and strong fiberglass to support the vehicle’s weight. Michelin filed 50 patents to protect its invention. The Uptis tire is puncture-proof, which is its primary advantage. There are 200 million tires that haven’t been used because of punctures and other factors such as rapid pressure loss, irregular wear and tear, or other factors. Airless tires would reduce waste in terms cost, material, and energy.
