An Airless, Puncture-Proof, and Sustainable Tyre Solution, UPTIS, Developed by Michelin

Michelin, a French multinational tyre manufacturer based in France, has developed the UPTIS prototype, which is an assembled airless solution (tyre and wheel) for passenger vehicles. This innovation represents a new generation of airless solutions, and it reflects Michelin's expertise in high-tech materials. The Michelin UPTIS (Unique Puncture Proof Tyre System) prototype was first revealed in 2019 at the Movin'On sustainable mobility summit, showcasing a fundamental step towards sustainable mobility.

About Michelin UPTIS

Michelin UPTIS is an important innovation in existing airless mobility technology. It eliminates the danger of flat tyres and other failures due to air loss that results from punctures or road hazards. The advantages of Michelin UPTIS are as follows:

• The risk of flat tyres and blowouts is eliminated, which makes the passenger and car drivers feel safe and protected on the road.

• The Michelin UPTIS requires near-zero level of maintenance and no downtime from flats.

• Reduction of the number of tyres scrapped because of punctures, which means less raw material use for replacement tyres and a reduction of waste.

Michelin UPTIS eliminates the need for pressure checks and reduces the need for other routine maintenance, making it a perfect candidate for self-driving vehicles and passenger car fleets.

UPTIS prototype tyre (Source: Michelin)

Materials Used in the Development of UPTIS

This novel tyre is designed and capable of withstanding the weight and speeds of passenger cars and is best suited to fleets and new forms of mobility such as autonomous, connected, or electric vehicles. The UPTIS prototype is made from the combination of rubber and aluminium for wheel and a load-bearing structure made from glass fiber-reinforced composite material. Key materials utilized in UPTIS:

• The external tread and contact patch of UPTIS are made from rubber compounds similar to those used in conventional tyres. The function of these rubber compounds is to provide excellent traction, wear resistance, and comfort on the road surface.

• Apart from using compressed air, UPTIS has incorporated glass fiber-reinforced composite as the material for the load-bearing structure. The composite combines glass fibers with a polymer matrix to balance rigidity and flexibility. This high-performance composite replaces the function of air pressure, supports the weight of the vehicle, and helps in absorbing road impacts.

• The wheel core or rim is made from aluminium alloy. The alloy is chosen for benefits such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with automotive wheel mounts.

Unfortunately, the information related to the specific type of material grades or compound names (such as the type of rubber, specific aluminium alloy, or exact polymer) has not been disclosed by Michelin. 

UPTIS fitted in a DHL vehicle (Source: Michelin)

General Motors, an American multinational automotive manufacturing company, has signed a joint research agreement with Michelin as a co-development partner with the goal of introducing UPTIS for passenger vehicles as early as possible. The usage of Michelin UPTIS will provide sustainable benefits, such as a reduction in the number of scrapped tyres and a reduction in overall raw materials and energy used in the manufacturing of tyre.