It was only a matter of time before a new company decided to venture into the sector of "airless wheels", the revolutionary tires that do not need to be inflated.
The first brand to present them to the public was Michelin, demonstrating its attention to novelty.
This year, other interesting companies have also appeared, which have released their own version of "wheels that do not puncture or swell".
In particular, we focus on the proposal of Hankook Tires, a company that knows the value of tires perfectly.
The famous company based in South Korea has tried to add sustainability and ecology to Michelin's offering. The new airless wheels, presented on the occasion of CES2022, are the result of an experimentation that lasted 10 years.
If the public can appreciate and exploit them properly, they could become the future of the automotive sector.
The revolution of airless wheels
The innovation of wheels i-Flex, lies in the production frame.
Each wheel is in fact equipped with interlocking multilayer spokes, inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms. The rays work together to prevent shocks, managing to absorb them almost completely.
The support offered to the driver increases dramatically, as does the stability of the vehicle and its ability to react. Driving a car has never been so safe, especially when the roads are known for imperfections and "pitfalls".
The concept behind the airless wheels of Hankook Tires it is extremely innovative, although not as unusual as it might seem.
It is not the first time that mechanics meets cellular study. We find ourselves faced with yet another example of biomimicry, a type of technology that is becoming more and more common and more interesting.
Scientists take inspiration from nature, from what works without modification or reinforcement. They improve structures and functionalities, demonstrate the potential of research.
The Hankook Tire launch
Experimentation on i-Flex wheels was announced at the launch of the pod car Plug & Drive by Hyundai.
According to Hankook Tire, they represent the distinctive element of the new production, the novelty that all enthusiasts have been waiting for.
At the moment the wheel has a diameter of 38 cm, and a width of 10 cm. Although we still don't know the actual launch date of the product, we do know that the company is moving to release something absolutely amazing.
Airless tires could soon become the most popular. Many believe that they represent the future of modern motoring.
Michelin will put into production its airless wheels by 2024, we need to see which companies it will have to fight against and whether it will be able to maintain its leadership in the sector.