The global automotive carbon wheels market was valued at $626.00 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2022 to 2030.
The wheel industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in innovation in recent years. Currently, researchers are developing wheels using composite materials such as carbon fiber and Kevlar, along with developing new wheel designs that can improve efficiency and reduce drag. This can increase durability, efficiency and reduce the overall cost of the lifecycle of a wheel.
However, these promising advancements come with their own set of challenges. These include the expensive nature of these alternate materials, the necessity for comprehensive safety testing, and high manufacturing costs.
In an attempt to overcome these challenges, several startups are introducing innovative wheel solutions. These solutions can potentially revolutionize transportation, making it safer, quicker, and more convenient for users.
After thorough research, we have shortlisted 4 innovative wheel solutions paving the way for the future.
1. Advantec Wheels
Offering: Alloy Wheels
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in India, Advantec Wheels has forayed into manufacturing aesthetically designed, high-performance, and superior-quality Flow Forged Alloy Wheels for India’s Aftermarket of passenger cars.
The startup uses “Flow Forging” and “Tilt Gravity Die Casting” to manufacture the alloy wheels. The “Tilt Gravity Die Casting” will help make consistent and better-quality wheels. Further, the “Flow Forging” will help produce extra strength and flawless quality products. They are also said to provide Element Painting (EP) which will help make their products distinct and unique with customized finishes per customer’s requirements. Furthermore, they conform to both BIS and ISO Standards and can offer Mirror Cut Alloy Wheel Finishes.
2. Kling Technology
Offering: Mass producible and light carbon-composite wheel.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Hungary, Kling Technology’s innovation revolves around mass-producible, light, carbon-composite wheels. Their work revolves around developing carbon-composite aluminum rims to meet the demanding requirements of Formula Student race cars. These rims combine the strength and lightweight characteristics of carbon composites with the durability and reliability of aluminum, resulting in an optimal blend of performance and functionality. Additionally, in 2018, the company successfully designed and tested its first 19-inch rim.
3. Carbon Revolution
Offering: Lightweight carbon fiber wheels
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, Carbon Revolution is an advanced manufacturing startup that designs, manufactures, and markets single-piece carbon fiber wheels.
The startup has prepared a novel fiber architecture in the rim portion of a composite wheel for a vehicle. As a lightweight efficiency technology, Carbon Revolution wheels provide range extension benefits for EVs and the realization of large-diameter aerodynamic wheel designs that are less practical in aluminum due to weight limitations.
The startup has over 80+ granted and pending patents in key jurisdictions globally and advanced wheel production process trade secrets.
Furthermore, they have also partnered with several other notable car manufacturers, including Porsche, McLaren, and Lamborghini.
4. Carbon ThreeSixty
Offering: ACRIM (All-Composite Reduced Inertia Modular) wheel
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the UK, Carbon ThreeSixty specializes in composite materials. They provide composite products for the automotive sector, with wheels as one of their major product categories. These wheels are commercially viable, low-cost, lightweight as well as all-composite.
Carbon ThreeSixty is leading a project called ACRIM which is being carried out with multiple partners. Resin supplier Bitrez, robotic automation partner CNC Robotics, multi-material manufacturing solution provider Far-UK, and manufacturing supplier Composites Integration are the collaborators on the project.
Interestingly, this 13-inch ACRIM wheel is 44% lighter than an aluminum equivalent.
The project will use a Far-UK BlackMetal™ Compression Moulded Centre (also known as forged carbon). It is a material solution Far-UK has been developing since 2014. It will be over-molded by a Carbon ThreeSixty barrel during an RTM process, enabling a cost-effective, high-performance, and lightweight structure.
Carbon ThreeSixty has partnered with cutting-edge organizations such as the National Composites Centre, High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, the Niche Vehicle Network, and several leading universities to develop aircraft landing gear and all-composite wheels.
Conclusion
The wheel industry is no stranger to challenges, and as it progresses, new hurdles emerge that demand innovative solutions. While we have explored some innovative wheel solutions, it is crucial to recognize that these are just a glimpse of the multifaceted landscape. From being able to provide wheels that are more durable while keeping in mind environmental concerns, the tire industry continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation.
If you plan to venture into this domain, we can offer guidance through our comprehensive technology landscape service. With GreyB, you can understand the market, evaluate your options, and make the most informed decisions for your business.
Authored By- Mayank Maloo, Solutions Team.
Edited By- Moksha Jain, Editorial Team.
