Bridgestone's Airless Tires Hit the Road, But Top Out at 12 MPH
Bridgestone's airless tires have finally entered commercial service, but are limited to slow speeds and won't be available for passenger cars anytime soon.
Key Takeaways
- Bridgestone’s airless tires have entered commercial service after 18 years of development.
- The tires are being used on self-driving golf carts for older residents in Higashiomi, Japan.
- The tires have a speed limit of 12 mph and are not suitable for passenger cars.
- The tires use a recyclable compound and a flexible resin structure.
- Bridgestone is considering a business model that bundles the tires with services such as recycling.
What are Bridgestone’s Airless Tires?
Bridgestone’s airless tires are made from a recyclable compound and feature a flexible resin structure. The tires are designed to be durable and long-lasting, and are suitable for slow-speed applications.
The tires were first developed in 2008, and the current third-generation version was unveiled in 2023. The technology has been refined over the years to improve its performance and durability.
How Do the Tires Work?
The tires use a thermoplastic resin spoke structure wrapped in a thin rubber tread. This design allows the tires to be flexible and durable, while also providing a smooth ride.
The tires are designed to spread loads evenly across the tire, which helps to improve their durability and performance.
What Are the Limitations of the Tires?
The tires have a speed limit of 12 mph, which makes them unsuitable for passenger cars. They are currently being used on self-driving golf carts for older residents in Higashiomi, Japan.
The tires are also not suitable for high-speed applications, and are best suited for slow-speed use in controlled settings.
What’s Next for Bridgestone’s Airless Tires?
Bridgestone is considering a business model that bundles the tires with services such as recycling. The company is also developing lunar rover tires built around a metal structure derived from the same AirFree design.
This suggests that Bridgestone sees a future for the technology beyond its current application in slow-speed mobility fleets.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed Limit | 12 mph |
| Material | Recyclable compound and flexible resin |
| Structure | Thermoplastic resin spokes wrapped in a thin rubber tread |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the speed limit of Bridgestone’s airless tires?
A: The speed limit of Bridgestone’s airless tires is 12 mph.
Q: What are the tires made of?
A: The tires are made from a recyclable compound and feature a flexible resin structure.
Q: Where are the tires being used?
A: The tires are being used on self-driving golf carts for older residents in Higashiomi, Japan.
