Bridgestone Tests Airless Tire on Public Roads in Japan

Bridgestone equipped a small fleet of electric and autonomous vehicles in Higashiomi, Japan, with its airless tire technology. The tires eliminate the risk of punctures and the need for constant inflation.

Current production models are limited to a maximum speed of 20 km/h and are used on predetermined, controlled routes with small vehicles typically used for transporting elderly residents. The technology, called AirFree, replaces air pressure with structural rays made of recyclable thermoplastic resin that absorb impacts and support the vehicle’s weight.

This third generation of the tire uses more flexible materials to improve comfort and allows for full recycling of the rubber tread and blue rays. Bridgestone is still working to overcome physical challenges at higher speeds, such as heat dissipation, rolling noise, and stability, before mass production for conventional passenger cars is possible. The company also is developing a metallic version of the airless tire for future lunar exploration vehicles.