Michelin is finally launching the Uptis puncture-proof airless tire sometime in the near future. According to sources, it might be introduced together with the upcoming next-gen Chevrolet Bolt.
A cloer look at how the airless Uptis tire deals with uneven terrain
Michelin North America President Alexis Garcin hinted at this by telling CNN Business that the company is planning to release the Uptis as the stock factory tires for the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt. He further added that this might happen in the “next three to five years.”
We previously talked about the Michelin Uptis, but for those who don’t remember, it was officially unveiled back in 2019. The tire doesn’t come with sidewalls, and instead of air, it uses a series of fiberglass belt and spoke structures designed to cushion a car just like air would in a regular tire.
By not having air, the Uptis, as mentioned, is puncture-proof. This can potentially provide added road safety. Michelin also plans to mass produce this tire using recycled rubber. Of note, GM has been working together with Michelin in testing the Uptis. For that matter, the test bed for the said punctureless tire was indeed the Chevy Bolt.
Speaking of the Bolt, its next-gen version might see a launch sometime between 2025 and 2028. That’s still quite a-ways off in the future, and not much information about the upcoming EV model is known.
The Chevrolet Bolt using the Michelin Uptis tires
Furthermore, GM itself is yet to officially confirm what Mr. Garcin has stated about the Uptis and the Bolt. Then again, many car brands are scrambling to produce affordable electric vehicles. This might be where the next-gen Bolt will fit in.
The Chevrolet Bolt is currently sold in North America, South Korea, and Europe. It is not available in our market. There’s also the Bolt EUV which Chevrolet claims offers a range of 397 kilometers.
Would you like to see the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt equipped with Uptis tires on local roads?
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