Goodyear has launched its new concept tyre, Oxygene, which can connect to the Internet of Things and uses the energy generated during photosynthesis to power its electronics. It cleans the air by absorbing moisture from the road through its tread and it inhales carbon dioxide from the air.

The tyre has a unique structure that features living moss growing within its sidewall, which, together with the tread design, can absorb and circulate moisture and water from the road surface. Due to this process, photosynthesis occurs and oxygen is released into the air.

With more than two-thirds of the world population expected to live in cities by 2050, the demands on transport networks in urban environments will increase substantially, said Chris Delaney, president of Goodyear EMEA. Smarter, greener infrastructure and transport will be crucial in addressing the most pressing challenges of urban mobility and development.

Oxygene’s emphasis is on reducing material waste, emissions and energy loss and is inspired by the principles of the circular economy. Nearly 3,000 tons of oxygen could be generated by absorbing moisture from the road and more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide could be absorbed per year in a city of the size of greater Paris, which has about 2.5 million vehicles.

Oxygene features a non-pneumatic construction which is 3D printed with rubber powder from recycled tires. Its structure is light and shock-absorbing, providing a long-lasting, puncture-free solution that can extend the life of the tire and minimise service issues.

The energy generated during photosynthesis is used to power its embedded electronics, such as onboard sensors, an artificial intelligence processing unit, and light strip which is customisable in the tire’s sidewall. The light strip switches colours to warn both road users and pedestrians of upcoming manoeuvres, while its system enables the tyre to connect to the Internet of Things, allowing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) data Exchange.

Like the concept designs Goodyear has presented at Geneva in the past, Oxygene is meant to challenge our thinking and help drive the debate around smart, safe and sustainable future mobility, concluded Chris Delaney.