Would You Drive With Airless Tires?

TTAC Staff
by TTAC Staff
Photo Credit: Michelin

The automotive industry has witnessed a revolutionary development with the introduction of airless tire technology. This innovation eliminates the need for air in tires, offering a more stable and reliable driving experience. It effectively addresses the common issues of flat tires and rapid pressure loss, enhancing safety and comfort for drivers.

Michelin's Role in Airless Tire Innovation

Michelin is leading this technological advancement with its Unique Puncture-proof Tire System (UPTIS) prototype. Designed for passenger cars, UPTIS was first showcased at the Movin’On summit in 2019. This marks a crucial step towards making airless tire technology widely available.

The Composition and Advantages of UPTIS

UPTIS distinguishes itself with its composition, merging an aluminum wheel and a flexible load-bearing structure crafted from glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). This structure preserves Michelin's known tire performance while being adaptable for high-speed use, a feature not seen in previous airless tire models.

Benefits Across the Board

UPTIS introduces several advantages:

  • For Motorists: Eliminates concerns about tire damage from road conditions.
  • For Fleet Owners: Boosts productivity by minimizing vehicle downtime and tire-related maintenance.
  • Environmental Benefits: Significantly cuts down tire waste, reducing environmental waste and harm.


Tackling Tire Waste

Each year, a substantial portion of tires are discarded due to punctures, pressure loss, and uneven wear. UPTIS aims to lessen this waste, potentially saving around 200 million tires, equivalent to 2 million tonnes, from disposal.


UPTIS: Shaping the Future of Mobility

Beyond traditional vehicles, UPTIS is also tailored for emerging clean and autonomous mobility solutions. It's especially useful for shared mobility services, including autonomous shuttles and vehicle fleets.

Partnerships and Practical Applications

Michelin's dedication is further demonstrated through its collaboration with DHL, equipping delivery vehicles in Singapore with UPTIS. Real-world tests are underway in various locations like Las Vegas and Thailand, showcasing UPTIS’s durability and effectiveness.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

TTAC Staff
TTAC Staff

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  • JoeTaco JoeTaco on Jan 07, 2024
    “This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.” That explains why it reads like a press release.
  • Bd2 If I were going to spend $ on a ticking time bomb, it wouldn't be for an LR4 (the least interesting of Land Rovers).
  • Spectator Wild to me the US sent like $100B overseas for other peoples wars while we clammer over .1% of that money being used to promote EVs in our country.
  • Spectator got a pic of that 27 inch screen? That sounds massive!
  • MaintenanceCosts "And with ANY car, always budget for maintenance."The question is whether you have to budget a thousand bucks (or euro) a year, or a quarter of your income.
  • FreedMike The NASCAR race was a dandy. That finish…
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