Global Air Cylinder Wheels, (https://globalaircylinderwheels.com/ ) was recognized today on TIME's annual list of the Best Inventions, in the Sustainability category, which features 200 extraordinary innovations changing our lives.
To compile the list, the publication solicited nominations from TIME's editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields-such as AI, green energy, and sustainability. They then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.
Of the new list, TIME's editors write: "The result is a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions)-including the world's most powerful supercomputer, a game-changing entertainment venue, and a new shape-that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what's possible."
See the full list here: time.com/best-inventions-2023
Manufactured mostly out of steel, the company's innovative wheel technology, Air Suspension Wheel (ASW), is eco-friendly, stronger, and safer than the highly pollutive traditional rubber tire and is much more economical over the lifetime of the wheel. The ASW combines an inner steel hub with an outer steel drum which is connected by eight or twelve nitrogen-filled air cylinders and up to six oil-filled dampers that provide suspension and damping. On the outer drum, individually bolt-on steel or polyurethane treads are fitted.
Then there is the environmental impact of ASW. Old rubber tires are frequently buried or burned, releasing harmful chemicals and heavy metals into groundwater and air. Tires also end up in landfills wasting space or filling up with water, creating a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes. Researchers estimate that 28% of the microplastics in the world's oceans come from tires.
"Being named to TIME's prestigious list is more than an honor. It's significant validation that underscores our commitment to sustainable and responsible innovation," Dr. Zoltan Kemeny, president and CEO of Global Air Cylinder Wheels. "Our green, eco-friendly focus isn't just a corporate mandate -- it's a global necessity. We're proud that our ASW technology is contributing to a more sustainable future while delivering unparalleled performance and safety."
The ASW is durable and designed to have the same lifespan as the vehicle itself, meaning fewer replacement costs and less time spent swapping out damaged tires. The ASW can become part of the vehicle and has the potential to become an eco-friendly capital asset instead of a polluting consumable.
Governments in all major regions are implementing EV mandates and incentives to promote fewer carbon emissions and protect the environment. The U.S. has a goal of a 50% EV market share by 2030, while Europe has proposed an all-out ban on fossil fuel cars by 2035 as California and New York have done.
GACW's ASW technology can offer EVs lower rolling resistance leading to a lower energy consumption. This means less fuel burn and less emission or a significant increase in the battery range.
The company has teamed up with experts in the field of suspension, steel manufacturing, cylinders, and treads, and features more than 200 years of combined engineering experience.
Overall, the company has raised more than $5.5 million from investors so far and the company's valuation has increased from $27 million to +$50 million since May 2022.
