Michelin and the French postal services are partnering for a two-year test of airless tires. A European-first, forty yellow ‘La Poste’ vans will be equipped with Michelin Utips tires by the end of 2024 in the Hauts-de-France region.

Currently, this is the only airless tire being used on open public roads in Europe. With that, ‘La Poste’ aims at ensuring better continuity of services and eliminating issues with punctures and underinflation. A similar test was started in Singapore at the beginning of the year in collaboration with DHL.

Two-year test

Starting this June 27 up until the end of 2024, around forty yellow Citroën vans from the French postal services in the Hauts-de-France region will be equipped with airless tires.

Specifically, they will be equipped with Michelin Utips units with an aluminum ring and 64 curved fins. These fins are made of glass fiber and resin to offer the same comfort and choc resistance as air but without the issues of punctures and underinflation.

Fewer punctures, less downtime, less waste

With this test, ‘La Poste’ and Michelin wish to see how those tires fare in the real-world task of parcel delivery. For the post, the benefits are great. These airless tires could reduce downtime and maintenance operations of its fleet, thus ensuring better continuity of services.

There are also benefits from an environmental point of view. The airless tire eliminates the issue of underinflation, which increases friction and fuel consumption. Furthermore, it reduces the frequency of tire replacement, thereby limiting waste.

“We deliver mail and parcels throughout France six days a week, with postmen and women traveling the equivalent of 50 times around the Earth every day. We need reliable vehicles that are perfectly safe on the road while limiting our environmental footprint. We expect the revolutionary Michelin Uptis tires to deliver performance and ease of use,” explains Philippe Dorge, Deputy CEO of La Poste Group.

Airless tire revolution?

The non-pneumatic tire has been under development for a few years, with practical applications for lawnmowers or heavy equipment. However, currently, the Michelin Utips is the only tire of its type to be used on the open public road.

The French manufacturer seems to be the most advanced in this revolution. Goodyear is working on a ‘NexTrek’ prototype, but road noise and adherence are the biggest hurdles. Production is planned for 2030.

Michelin also aims at 2030 for the market launch of its Utips airless tires, but “progress still needs to be made”, confirms Bruno de Feraudy, New Car Tires Line Manager at Michelin. “We learn a lot more by having them drive with fleets. We’re going to continue working on rolling resistance and rethreading,” he adds.