Electric vehicles are becoming more popular because they are better for the environment and require less maintenance. With electric cars, there are no oil changes, timing chains, or belts to replace, and brake pads rarely need to be changed. According to NeoTires, you need to change tires at least every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven. Nobody likes waiting around a car workshop to get their tire changed; that’s why Goodyear has proposed a new design to suit the convenience of electric mobility.
Goodyear’s reCharge concept is about as convenient as it gets. The wheel releases tread from a reservoir at its central hub and can be replaced with new tread capsules, so you have an unlimited amount of tread. The wheel itself is very flexible, similar to Michelin’s Tweel design, to replace the smooth ride offered by an air-filled tire.
The tread would be biodegradable, made from organic materials, and strengthened with fibers “inspired by” spider silk. As a bonus, drivers can change the color of the wheel via a phone app.
There are a few things that are not clear, including:
- How the tread substance would get from the hub out to the exterior in an even manner,
- How Goodyear plans to ensure the tread gets evenly pushed out on the bit the car’s entire weight is sitting on.
However, the reCharge wheel could theoretically seep out a bit of extra tread at the press of a button while you’re driving on the road.
