Bridgestone today introduced the concept of a non-pneumatic tire that promises to up the ante in terms of both safety and eco-friendliness. The airless tire is not a new idea - Michelin Tweel is just another example - but Bridgestone claims that this is the first design of its kind that is ready for mass production.
The fact that it doesn’t rely on air pressure means that there is no risk of a puncture, and thus traveling safety is increased. In addition to that, the new tire is 100 percent recyclable. However, this has nothing to do with fuel efficiency in a direct way, only offering the benefit that it will never influence consumption through incorrect pressure.
“Non-pneumatic tires have a lesser impact on the environment than today's conventional tires, but previously such concept tires have been impractical to produce for the mass market. Bridgestone developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation,” a company statement reads.
“Non-pneumatic tires have a lesser impact on the environment than today's conventional tires, but previously such concept tires have been impractical to produce for the mass market. Bridgestone developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation,” a company statement reads.