The tyre industry is evolving constantly due to the new technologies and innovations that are developing, to improve vehicle performance, safety and sustainability. Secondly, with cars getting more and more complex, this is reflected in the tyres that lubricate them.
There has also been a big emphasis on reducing costs and finding eco friendly options as information and research continues to develop about tire materials, design, and performance. Here, we take a look at the future of tyres, as well as what to watch out for next year.
The Role of Technology in Tyre Development
It’s technology that is changing tyres in a number of ways. Innovations in tyres are making them safer, more efficient, more durable from better materials and more intelligent design. Most of these advancements are aimed to increase performance, fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Smart Tyres and Sensors
The development of smart tyres is one of the most exciting innovations in the tyre industry. Sensors are fitted to these tyres by which they monitor things such as tyre pressure, temperature, and tread wear. Drivers of smart tyres can also get real time data and make informed decisions of tyre maintaining. Smart tyres, for instance, can tell you when it’s time to check the tyre pressure or rotate your tyres so you get the best performance and safety.
The challenge has been getting these sensors integrated into the vehicle’s onboard system, making for seamless communication between the tyres and the car’s systems. Not only is this technology for safety, it also makes drivers save on fuel as tyres are always in prime condition.
To learn more about the latest in tyre tech, be sure to have a read through our range of smart tyres featuring state of the art sensors for better driving.
Self-Inflating Tyres
Self-inflating tyres are another innovative development aimed at eliminating one of the most common tyre-related issues: under-inflation. Using tyres that are under inflated is not only unsafe but also decreases your tires efficiency as well as production. Self inflating tyres have an onboard air compressor which keeps tyres at correct tyre pressure automatically all of the time. It not only can help to improve safety, fuel efficiency and lifespan of your tyres but this technology.
The hands free aspect of these tyres are ideal for drivers who frequently forget to check their tyre pressure, or just want a more low maintenance approach when it comes to tyres. Using self inflating tyres means knowing your tyres are always well inflated.
If you’re a fan of the next evolution of tyre technology then self inflating tyres will bring a new level of enjoyment to your drive.
Airless Tyres
Non Pneumatic tyres, or airless tires (NPTs), are a brand new take on how a tire is constructed. Unlike with traditional tyres, airless tyres do not require air pressure to support it. The most important benefit of airless tyres is that they are not able to be punctured. Such a change could have an enormous impact on the number of tyres that involve breakdowns attributable to tyres, in particular for those cars that travel in tough terrains or in areas full of debris.
Many experts go as far as to say that airless tyres are ready to become a typical thing around the corner, perhaps especially for electric vehicles and commercial fleets but also for the rest of us. These are their durability, puncture resistance and their low maintenance requirements and they are an exciting option for future tyre designs.
So, if you want to know more about the benefits of airless tyres, maybe take a look at our revolutionary tyres implementation of new technology for optimum performance.
Sustainable Tyres: A Step Towards Eco-Friendly Driving
The tyre industry is responding to increased environmental concerns through development of more environmentally friendly tyres. Starting with using recycled materials to making tyres more fuel efficient, tyres look greener than ever in their future.
Recyclable Materials
The use of recyclable materials is one of the major innovations in sustainable tyres. Previously, it had been difficult to recycle tyres because they contain the materials needed to make them. But, tyre manufacturers are now developing tyres made from sustainable, recyclable materials like rubber made from bio based rubber, synthetic rubber or steel. Made to promote less waste and recyclability at the end of a tyre’s life, these tyres are.
The manufacture of tyres is easier on the environment when the manufacturer uses more eco friendly materials and can assist in reducing the automobile’s carbon footprint to improve a more sustainable automotive industry.
Low Rolling Resistance Tyres
Development of low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres is another innovation aimed at increasing sustainability. They are designed to skew the forces of rotation required to keep them rolling, and doing so effectively reduces the amount of energy that would otherwise be required to do so, both to boost fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Electric cars are especially dependent on low rolling resistance tyres insofar as they should have the lowest possible rolling resistance to maximise energy efficiency.
Rubber compounds to reduce friction whilst retaining good traction; special tread design for minimum friction. As more cars come with electric vehicles, we will probably start seeing more LRR tyres available on the market in a bid to go green.
And as they reduce your vehicle’s rolling resistance, our tyres are perfect for environmentally driven drivers.
Biodegradable Tyres
The tyre industry is also investigating the production of biodegradable tyres that shall degrade naturally without damaging the environment. But it’s a relatively new piece of tyre technology, and one that has the potential to dramatically reduce that environmental impact at the tail end of tyres’ useful life.
Materials for biodegradable tyres, which would degrade more easily than conventional tyres, would include plant oils and resin. These tyres are still in development, but they represent a massive step in the direction of a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.
The Future of Tyres and Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EV) are changing the role of the tyre industry. Tyres are also being designed to meet the particular requirements of electric vehicles. Because electric vehicles have heavier weight, instant torque and different driving dynamics than traditional combustion engine vehicles, they have unique requirements.
Tyres for Electric Vehicles
To operate electric vehicles, the tyres’ design has to adapt to the higher weight and power demands with no loss of efficiency or range. Therefore, the tyre manufacturers are developing specially reinforced tyres for EV, enhanced load carrying abilities and lower rolling resistance. These tyres have been specially designed to provide best performance for electric vehicles to ensure enhanced range and efficiency.
Whether you’re the owner, or intend to drive, an electric vehicle, you can find out about the tyres we have for electric vehicles which have been made to perform and last better.
Smart Tyres for EVs
As well as the usual tyre innovations, there are also smart tyre enhancements designed to suit electric cars. Sensors have been cemented in these tyres to track their condition and report them to the vehicle’s system. It does mean that real time monitoring of tyre pressure, temperature, and wear is possible, which facilitates EV drivers to keep their tyres in good working order for longer.
With smart tyres for electric vehicles, electric vehicle owners enjoy thanks to a new type of convenience and safety, but simultaneously smart tyre technology is advancing to a new level.
In the future, tyres are full of exciting innovations looking to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability. The tyre industry is completing fast to accommodate the needs of modern driving; from smart tyres, airless designs to eco friendly materials. From electric vehicle tyres to more sustainable options, there’s a wide variety of cutting edge solutions to be had whether you’re looking for tyres for your electric vehicle, or more sustainable ones.
For the latest in tyre innovations, explore our wide range of tyres to find the perfect fit for your vehicle and driving needs.