GoodYear reCharge: the self-recharging tyre that never punctures and never wears out

Designed with the future of electric mobility in mind, GoodYear has developed an adaptive tyre prototype capable of regenerating itself and never needing to be replaced.

Can you imagine a tyre able to adapt to how it is used and to the weather at every moment? And one that would mean you never had to visit the workshop or worry about wear, because on top of being adaptive, its tread has regenerative properties?

Well, this tyre, which looks like something out of a science fiction film, is the one GoodYear had ready for the Geneva Motor Show: the GoodYear reCharge prototype.

Regenerative tread

As you can see, the concept of this tyre is based on a biodegradable and rechargeable tread, fed through a series of individual capsules containing a liquid compound that creates a mix tailored to each user.

The application of artificial intelligence technologies means these capsules not only regenerate the tread, but also adapt it to road conditions, weather or driving style, prioritising grip or comfort, for example.

Going further still, GoodYear has considered a biological compound, one hundred percent biodegradable and durable, for which the use of fibres inspired by spider silk, one of the strongest natural materials, is being discussed.

The rest of the tyre’s design responds to the pursuit of a low-maintenance concept, with no need to check the pressure and no effect from punctures. Instead of replacing the whole tyre, it would only be necessary to replace the rechargeable capsules to regenerate the tread, which would be supported by a tall, narrow structure. Exactly the kind of wheel that best suits electric cars.

The best thing is to see how the concept works in this video.

https://youtu.be/ziMVIZPu2XU

The GoodYear reCharge is not the first puncture-proof, self-regenerating tyre prototype we have seen. A couple of years ago Michelin presented its Vision concept, also with a biodegradable, regenerable and 3D-printed tread. Although as an airless tyre, the concept with the best chance of reaching production in the short term is the Michelin UPTIS.
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Images of the GoodYear reCharge prototype