Electric And Fuel-cell Car Makers Dream Of An Airless Tire

Toyota debuted a new hydrogen fuel-cell concept car, the Fine-Comfort Ride, at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show that wrapped up yesterday.

The Fine-Comfort Ride signals Toyota’s ongoing commitment to fuel-cell vehicles—the company still believes that fuel cells will eventually beat electric batteries on cost. Even though Toyota insists on going its own way on emission-less cars, they showcased one piece of technology that should also appeal to electric car makers trying to save weight: Sumitomo’s prototype airless tires. Sumitomo’s prototype is essentially a band of rubber wrapped around a plastic-aluminum hub and has already been tested on golf carts and small Japanese Kei cars.