Tyre to recharge EV batteries

A futuristic tyre which can charge lithium-ion or lead-carbon batteries of electric vehicles through kinetic energy has been unveiled.

Although only a concept product, the technology provided attendees at this year’s Geneva Motor Show a glimpse into the innovations on the horizon.

The “BHO3” tyre charge batteries by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into electrical energy.

Materials in the tyre capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions.

The BHO3 is lined with a fishnet pattern of thermo/piezoelectric material which turns heat into electrical current.

However, the tyre is still a concept, so details of how it would link up with a EVs battery architecture remains unclear.

As demand for electric cars grow, the technology would answer end users’ concerns about range anxiety which current EVs’ lithium-ion batteries only offer around 300Km of travel per charge.