Goodyear Teams with Tesla Ride-Sharing Firm on Tire Tests

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is equipping a fleet of Tesla Model S and Model X electric vehicles operated by California ridesharing company Tesloop with wireless sensors to assess high-mileage tire performance during semi-autonomous driving.

The sensors continuously measure and record tire temperature and pressure, which is linked with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyear's cloud-based algorithms. Goodyear says the information can be used to predict when the tires need service or replacement to improve safety and enhance overall fleet management.

As part of the program, Goodyear will provide tire maintenance and repair when the EV are being recharged at participating charging stations. This will allow Tesloop to maximize uptime for its fleet. Goodyear provides similar services for conventionally powered truck fleets.

Launched in 2015, Tesloop says its vehicles average about 17,000 miles per month, ferrying passengers between large city centers within a Tesla EV’s 250-mile driving range. Fares range between $30 and $80 per leg.

Goodyear has been working with Tesloop since January to study the effect of Tesla’s semiautonomous-driving technologies on tires.