Softwheel, an Israeli startup, is working on wheel technology that suits electric vehicles.
The Tel Aviv-based company “was incorporated in 2011 with support from Rad-BioMed Technology Accelerator and the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Economics” according to its website.
Softwheel’s technology is aimed at producing more efficient, durable and lighter wheels for application in electric vehicles.
It facilitates a smoother ride by reducing energy wastage and absorbing shocks more quickly.
Currently used in bicycles and wheelchairs, the technology also has the potential for application in cranes, airplane landing gear, mass transit and eventually cars and trucks, the company CEO Daniel Barel said at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance conference in New York on Wednesday.
Barel said the technology was superior, smaller and lighter compared with contemporary tire and suspension systems.
He also said the system could substantially reduce costs.
Softwheel is looking to work with small electric vehicle manufacturers initially.
The new technology is expected to improve efficiency of electric cars by making them lighter.
It would, in turn, increase battery range, a key specification that prospective EV buyers interested in long distance drives are looking for.
Currently Tesla’s model 70D, offers a range of 386 kilometers.
Ajith Kumar S