GREENVILLE, S.C.—BFGoodrich's off-road tires are ready for any terrain … all it takes is the touch of a button.
And the technology behind BFG's ActivAir system that allows drivers to control the inflation of the tires with a central control unit has earned the tire maker a 2023 Best of What's New award from Popular Science.
"It is an honor to have BFGoodrich ActivAir recognized as an award winner, which showcases how BFGoodrich works to help drivers tackle any terrain," Harold Phillips, global general manager for BFGoodrich Tires, said in a statement. "BFGoodrich has a history of innovation, and we are proud to be recognized for this work."
Designed by Teleflow, BFGoodrich ActivAir uses pneumatic valves and a central control unit to inflate and deflate tires as needed to allow for maximum traction. Drivers can adjust the air pressure by choosing from one of several operating terrains, and more experienced drivers can manually select the desired pressures.
Off-road racer John Williams, founder of Impulse Offroad, was key in the development of ActivAir, helping the tire maker integrate components into prototype vehicles and help test the product. This included working with Dynatrac, which integrated an air passage in its axle assemblies to help ensure ActivAir was a fully integrated solution.
The completed system, BFGoodrich said, has been tested in "extreme" environments, such as the Dakar Rally and the Ultra4 Racing Series.
This marks the second consecutive year that Michelin brands have earned a Popular Science Best of What's New nod. Michelin's Pilot Sport EV was awarded last year for its sustainability and performance.
"The 'Best of What's New' Awards are our way of celebrating the most exciting and groundbreaking innovations of the year. These awards highlight the revolutionary inventions that are helping to improve our daily lives, our society, and our planet," Annie Colbert, editor-in-chief for Popular Science, said in a statement.
