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.”

ETA breakdown cover

Established over 24 years ago, and with over 5,000 recovery trucks on call 24/7, we have a proven track record of providing efficient, reliable breakdown cover.

We handpick only the best local mechanics and garages around Britain to send out if you break down. We believe this way of working is efficient, environmentally friendly and helps supports local communities and economies, too.

On top of this, we offset the carbon emissions of the recovery trucks that go out to assist you, reducing the impact your breakdown has on our environment. Every breakdown policy you buy helps fund the work of our charity, the ETA Trust, which we set up in 1994 to campaign for a safer, cleaner transport future.