Tesla Wants to Equip Itself with Airless Michelin Tires

Tesla is in advanced talks with Michelin to test the French manufacturer’s new revolutionary tires.

The CEO of Michelin, Florent Menegaux, recently confirmed the discussions initiated with Tesla for the active development of its Uptis (Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System). The information revealed by our colleagues from Not a Tesla App has since been widely reported and confirmed. These tires would have a lifespan three times longer than that of a normal tire, while also being puncture-resistant due to their open-cell design.

The flexibility of the Uptis tires’ rubber tread allows them to naturally bend around obstacles. Without air, they eliminate the risk of puncture from perforation or valve failure. Environmentally, the elimination of puncture and under-inflation issues will reduce the number and frequency of tire replacements, thus limiting waste.

Michelin Excites Tesla

The Uptis tires are still prototypes as of today, and we do not know exactly when they will be available for commercial sale. The first three vehicles equipped with Uptis were put into circulation on June 27, 2023, as part of a two-year partnership between La Poste and Michelin, a first in France and Europe. By the end of the year, 40 La Poste utility vehicles equipped with airless tires will be making deliveries in the Hauts-de-France region.

It is clear why Tesla is interested in this product, as the elimination of the risk of punctures removes a random factor in the development of autonomous driving. Programming an artificial intelligence to respond to a tire explosion or a slow puncture is particularly complex, and these few lines of code less would greatly benefit the American manufacturer.

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