Japanese company tests airless tires

Japan's leading tire maker Bridgestone is testing tires that don't need to be inflated .

Bridgestone's airless tire. (Photo: Bridgestone).

NHK (Japan) said that this type of tire has high-performance resin spokes that support the weight of the vehicle and create comfort when driving . Testing of this type of tire has started since February on electric vehicles.

Bridgestone added that the plastic spokes of this airless tire technology make the design more flexible and easier to recycle than conventional tires. The project leader said the tire could contribute to a circular society because the tread can be replaced multiple times.

Bridgestone has teamed up with electric vehicle company Idemitsu Kosan to test the tire. Idemitsu Kosan CEO Akira Oishi commented: 'We believe that the airless tire concept developed by Bridgestone is environmentally friendly. Puncture-free tires contribute to reducing the risk of stopping the vehicle and are expected to increase utility value for customers' .

Bridgestone's airless tires aim to eliminate the need for tire management. Conventional tires are inflated with high-pressure air, which allows the tire to function like a spring to support the vehicle's weight and absorb impacts from the road. Improper pressure or under-inflation causes problems while driving.

Another Japanese tire maker, Sumitomo Rubber, is also developing a system that provides drivers with real-time data on the condition of their car tires. The system can determine tire pressure, wear, and other conditions even while the car is moving.

Sumitomo Rubber plans to put the system into commercial use in fiscal 2024. The company hopes the data will eventually be accessible remotely when used for self-driving cars. Japanese officials say the technology could improve the safety of self-driving cars.