Hyundai and Kia unveil a tire that incorporates snow chains
Many years ago, adding winter chains to vehicle tires represented, for all intents and purposes, the only solution to increasing the traction of a car when the roads were covered in snow and ice. Subsequently, the efficiency of tires improved, and the arrival of winter tires made the use of snow chains much less relevant, especially due to their complexity of installation and removal.
It seems like Hyundai And Kia still believe in the idea since the group this week unveiled a new tire technology that emulates the efficiency of snow chains without the disadvantages.
Memory hardware and an electric current
The system uses memory alloy bars that are integrated into various locations on the tire. The driver can then, through an interior control, activate an electric current which pushes the bars just above the sole. These rigid bars thus act like a traditional chain, sinking into snow and ice and providing better grip.
According to the manufacturer, this technology exploits the alloy’s ability to use its memory function. In normal driving, the L-shaped alloy is compressed internally and does not touch the road. When the driver activates the system, an electrical current is applied and returns the stem to its original shape, causing it to protrude slightly from the tire to contact the road.
Simple to use
Its main advantage is that, unlike traditional snow chains which are complicated to install and remove, this technology works with your fingertips. It still remains more complex since the assembly consists of the tire and the wheel. We are perhaps aiming for commercial use first.
According to Hyundai and Kia, “This innovation, which will hopefully one day be introduced on Hyundai and Kia vehicles, reflects our commitment to transforming advanced technologies into concrete solutions benefiting customers,” said Joon Mo Park, head of the advanced chassis development team. “We will continue to develop technologies that improve the safety and convenience of our vehicles and provide value to our customers. »
This technology is currently patent pending, but Hyundai and Kia hope this system will make its way to road cars soon.
Our opinion
The technology is interesting, but it leaves a lot of questions unanswered. What will be the cost, complexity and, above all, will it have an effect on the sustainability of our roads?
