Putting snow chains on a car is a massive hassle but Hyundai and Kia believe they have the solution. Working in partnership, the two car manufacturers have unveiled a unique wheel technology with integrated snow chains that can be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use.
The intriguing wheel/tire package features shape memory alloy modules that are located within the wheel and tire. At the push of a button, an electrical signal will be sent to the tire, pushing the alloy out and helping to improve traction in the snow.
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Hyundai says it has opted to use the shape memory alloy because it can return to its original shape when an electrical current is applied. This means that during normal driving, the alloy remains compressed within the wheel into an ‘L’ shape and does not make contact with the road. Each tire features six large grooves that house these alloys.
“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,” Hyundai’s head of the Advanced Chassis Development Team, Joon Mo Park said. “We will continue to develop technologies that enhance safety and convenience of our vehicles and bring value to our customers.”
The South Korean carmakers have filed to patent the technology in both South Korea and the U.S. While they will consider mass production of these tires in the future, this will only happen after “further technological development, durability and performance tests.”
