Toyota exploring potential of airless tyres to improve performance in electrified vehicles; showcased with Fine-Comfort Ride concept in Tokyo
Toyota is known of for its consistent attempt to make the mobility better with introduction of new technologies. The Japanese automaker is now working on airless tyres for its electrified vehicles that include plug-in hybrid, hybrid and fully electric powered models. The automaker has displayed the conceptual airless tyre with its Fine-Comfort Ride concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.
As Toyota claims, these airless tyres are capable of improving the performance of pure electric and fuel-cell vehicles significantly. Such tyres come with a band of rubber encircling a plastic aluminium hub. As the brand says, one day, such airless tyres would compensate the weight of electric motors and battery packs in the future electric vehicles. However, commercial implementation of this technology is years away.
Also read: Toyota’s Unique Fine Comfort Ride Concept Uncovered In Tokyo
As the brand says, these airless tyres weigh around same as the conventional rubber tyres. But, further research and developed it expected to reduce the eight by up to 30%. Toyota hopes to make the airless tyres capable of commercial usage by 2025. These tyres are also claimed to be safer than the conventional rubber tyres.
Currently, these airless tyres are being tested on the Kei mini cars and golf carts in Japanese domestic market by the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which supplied these tyres. Apart from Toyota, several other auto giants have also shown interest in these futuristic tyres for their small electric vehicles. The tyre manufacturer claims it wants to start commercial production of these tyres by 2020. However, there are doubts if that would be possible.
Also read: Expected Upcoming Toyota Cars in 2018
Airless tyres are not something new in the world of automobiles, as other tyre manufacturers around the world like Bridgestone and Michelin too are working on same technology. Michelin has already launched Tweel for the lawnmowers, golf carts and construction machinery. Tweel is a combination of tyre and wheel, unlike the conventional individual wheels and tyres available in current vehicles.
Toyota Fine-Comfort Ride Concept Images
