Will there soon be an automatic snow tire?

Let it snow! Hyundai is developing an integrated snow chain technology using shape memory alloy.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation unveiled a new integrated snow chain technology designed to promote safe driving on snowy roads.

The integrated snow chain technology uses modules made of shape memory alloy housed within the wheel. These modules retract into the tire to act as a “snow chain” when they receive an electrical signal.

Unlike traditional snow chains, which are difficult to install and remove, this technology allows for automatic deployment of shape memory alloy snow chains with the simple press of a button, thereby enhancing safety on snowy roads.

This snow chain technology is integrated into a wheel with a rim and tire featuring evenly spaced radial grooves, similar to a pre-sliced pizza, into which the shape memory alloy modules are inserted.

This technology leverages the ability of shape memory alloy to return to its original shape when subjected to an electric current. Under normal conditions, the alloy embedded in the wheel is compressed into the shape of the letter “L” and does not contact the road surface. When the driver activates this new function, an electric current is sent to the shape memory alloy, which then regains its original shape, that of the letter “J”. The module is then pushed outward from the tire to contact the road, improving grip, stability, and safety on snowy roads.

If, under normal driving conditions, the tire surface wears down to the level of the module due to significant tire wear, the driver will easily notice this and will not forget to replace the tire when due.

This technology is pending patents in South Korea and the United States. Hyundai and Kia plan to produce these tires in series after further development, durability and performance testing, and regulatory checks.

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