Hyundai and Kia are ready to introduce another next-generation technology after a week of game-changing “Uni-Wheel” drive systems. This time Kia and Hyundai unveiled a new snow chain-integrated tire technology to make safe winter driving.
This Snow chain-integrated tire uses shape memory alloy modules located inside the wheel. They will work as a ‘snow chain’ when an electrical signal is received from the system connected to them. Further using this new snow chain-integrated technology is easier than the traditional one which is complicated to install and remove.
Further Hyundai explains that this new technology will automatically deploy shape memory alloy at the push of a button provided in the cabin. This will help EV drivers by providing quick grip in wintery road conditions.
Joon Mo Park, Head of Advanced Chassis Development Team said, “This innovation, which will hopefully be introduced on Hyundai and Kia vehicles someday, reflects our commitment to turning advanced technologies into real-world solutions that benefit customers. We will continue to develop technologies that enhance safety and convenience of our vehicles and bring value to our customers”.
This new snow chain-integrated tire technology takes the advantage of shape memory alloy characteristic to get into the shape when an electric current is applied. Where in normal driving the shape alloy located inside the wheel is compressed into the “L” shape but when the system get activated then the shape changes into “J”, pushing modules out of the tyre to make contact with the surface that will improve the grip.
This is another great achievement for Hyundai and Kia in the race of technology development for electric vehicles. Kia and Hyundai also plan a mass production of the technology once it will give a good result in tests. But there’s also room for many futuristic technologies that have yet to emerge within EVs.
