Goodyear shows off tires that can recharge batteries, change driving mode

Aside from the stunning concept cars on display at Geneva, new technology was also on display from the likes of Goodyear. The tire company showed off two concept tires.

The first is the BHO3, can recharge the batteries of an electric car. They change heat energy generated by the flexing motion of the tire walls into electrical energy. The can extend the range of electric vehicles and reduce the current “range anxiety” plaguing the electric car.

The other is the Triple Tube tire. This features three internal tubes: beneath the tread in the inboard and outboard shoulders of the tire, and one in the center. An internal pump moves air from the main air chamber to the three individual tubes. This allows the tire to alter its driving characteristics. With all three tubes inflated, the tire is in Eco/Safety mode, with reduced rolling resistance. Sport mode is activated by reduced inflation in the inboard shoulder tube, enhancing the contqct patch. Wet traction is improved with maximum inflation in the center tube, reducing aquaplaning. Who said tires had to be the same old rubber donuts?