Goodyear’s non-pneumatic (airless) tire (NPT) made its debut this summer on autonomous shuttles, but now, the company has tested them on a Tesla Model 3. In the future, airless tires may offer sustainable, maintenance-free and longer-lasting options, especially in urban transportation environments.
What happens when you put these airless tires on a Tesla Model 3? At the company’s Akron Proving Grounds, these tires proved that the vehicle was capable of maneuvering at speeds of up to 55 mph as well as accelerate and decelerate safely. As for top speed, the Tesla was able to hit a maximum of 100 mph. There’s no word yet on when these tires will hit the market.
- FAST AND FUN GO-KART: Kids 24-V battery-powered go-kart designed with up to 3 forward-driving speed settings at 2.5, 5, and 8 miles per hour
- GREAT RUBBER TRACTION TIRES: Designed with single speed reverse and rubber traction on front tires for exceptional maneuverability
- DESIGNED FOR DRIFTING: Features large rear wheels that are perfect for drifting
As mobility evolves, we feel that tires can transform the way we move and alternative airless architectures are ideal, particularly in the emerging autonomous transportation environment. This is an important milestone as we look to advance mobility today and as we look to introduce the first completely sustainable and maintenance-free tires by the end of the decade,” said Michael Rachita, Goodyear’s senior program manager, non-pneumatic tires.
