Goodyear Concept Tire Could Generate Electricity

As reported by the Dallas Morning News: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduced a concept tire at the Geneva auto show that it says could generate electricity for use by electric cars.
Most mainstream electric cars are limited to a range of 100 miles or less before they must be recharged.

The concept “BHO3” tire “offers the possibility” of helping recharge the batteries of electric cars by transforming heat from a rolling tire into electrical energy, Goodyear officials said.

“These concept tires re-imagine the role that tires may play in the future,” said Joe Zekoski, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Goodyear. “We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile.”

Tires flex as they roll, creating heat. Material in the BHO3 concept tire captures that heat and transforms it into electrical energy.

As demand for electric cars grows, the technology could “significantly contribute” to efforts to extend the driving range of the vehicles, Goodyear officials said.

Goodyear also displayed a tire at the Geneva show with three tubes inside it that can be inflated by an internal pump to change the driving characteristics of the tire.

The “triple tube” tire can be altered with air pressure while driving for “eco-safety,” sporty characteristics or wet-traction.

Although concepts, both tires represent “essential aspects” of Goodyear’s innovation strategy, Zekoski said.