Michelin has announced a prototype airless radial tyre designed for last-mile e-cargo trikes at CES 2022.
Designed to perform like pneumatic tyres, but without the inconvenience and downtime caused by flat tyres, Michelin’s X Tweel airless radial tyre is a single unit that replaces the current tyre and wheel assembly.
According to the French tyre maker, there is no need for complex mounting equipment, and once they are bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain. What’s more, the energy transfer within the poly-resin spokes reportedly helps reduce the ‘bounce’ associated with pneumatic tyres.
“Michelin is committed to innovation to solve tomorrow’s challenges in this complex and demanding market,” said Tony Marconi, Tweel business director. “We aspire to be the leader of sustainable solutions for urban fleets and know the most costly step of logistics is often the last-mile delivery.
“Our innovative Tweel has solved challenges in other segments where flat tyres are an issue. We are looking to get ahead of these obstacles in the urban mobility area and aim to deliver the best solution possible for customers to maximise uptime and minimise issues.”
According to Michelin, the main advantages of an airless tyre solution on e-cargo trikes for last-mile delivery include: reduced downtime by eliminating flat tyres; improved safety/stability, allowing faster last-mile deliveries; potential to increase carrying capacity over pneumatic tyres; no tyre maintenance or flat repairs; efficient changeability; extended range due to lower rolling resistance; improved end-of-life reuse and recyclability; and improved tyre wear.
At the Las Vegas trade show, the Michelin X Tweel tyre will be mounted on a Coaster Cycles e-cargo trike. “The Michelin airless radial tyres will help our customers make safer, more efficient, and faster deliveries with no down-time,”said Jesse Bartholomew, vice president, product, for Coaster Cycles. “We’re proud to partner with Michelin on such an exciting project.”
