Goodyear car tyre generates electricity

Goodyear has developed a new type of tyre that generates power to keep electric car batteries topped up.

The BH03 tyre generates electricity using a piezoelectric process. This allows energy created by heat as the tyres flexes during driving to be transformed into electricity.

Piezoelectric power

The Goodyear car tyre is one of a number of ideas that promise to transform ‘wasted’ energy into electricity.

A new type of paving stone that generates electricity when it is walked upon will leave pedestrians marginally more weary after a day of shopping, but promises environmentally-friendly street lighting in return.

Pavegen paving stones work by taking a little of the kinetic energy from a footstep and converting it into renewable electricity for LED streetlights. They are being tested in east London ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

The paving stone is depressed by 5 mm each time it is stepped on. Five per cent of the energy produced illuminates the LED ground light embedded in its surface while the remaining 95 per cent is stored in a battery for use by overhead street lighting, bus stops or illuminated advertising boards.

The term piezoelectric relates to the ability of some materials to generate electricity when they are squeezed or pressed.

If the processes used to acquire and install the system is environmentally friendly the piezoelectric crystals provide a green, if limited, supply of power.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Walking was already the greenest way to travel and now pedestrians can help others see the light.”

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.