Electric cars are undoubtedly the future. With companies like Tesla leading the charge, and legacy carmakers joining the fray, it is only a matter of time before our reliance on fossil fuels is reduced and electric cars take up a significant chunk of the market. The most important question with these vehicles will always be about range. What if there was a solution that made it possible for the car to be charged as it drove along? Goodyear’s concept tires do just that.
Goodyear unveiled the concept tires earlier this week at the Geneva International Auto Show. The basic concept is that these tires will convert accumulated heat into energy that will go towards charging up the electric car.
Called BH03 the tire has a very funky design. Goodyear presents a couple of options with which the tires will be able to accumulate heat. First up are black patches on the tire’s surface which will absorb the Sun’s heat, particularly when the car is parked in a lot as the Sun shines down.
Other methods include collecting heat generated from friction during driving as well as heat generated from the tire as it flexes.
Goodyear hasn’t gone into much detail about the technology or how the energy will actually be put to use for charging the car. Since it’s a concept at this stage the company can hold off on those details. One thing is clear though. This tire isn’t showing up at your local dealership any time soon.
Filed in . Read more about Electric Cars.