Nokian Tyres' retractable studded tyre: an innovation that could transform winter driving
Nokian Tyres has unveiled a world first: a winter tyre capable of automatically deploying or retracting its studs depending on the road surface temperature. Named Hakkapeliitta 01, this adaptive tyre could change the way drivers tackle snow and ice, while reducing some of the drawbacks of traditional studded tyres.
Summary
- A world first for winter tyres
- How does a retractable studded tyre work
- Measurable performance on the ice and the road
- Why this innovation could change the market
- Can it replace snow chains?
- Nokian Tyres' winter strategy
- Frequently Asked Questions
A world first for winter tyres
The Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres, inventor of the first winter tyre in 1934, has unveiled a major innovation: the first studded tyre capable of automatically adapting its studs to road conditions.
This new model, named Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01, belongs to the famous range launched in 1936 and specially developed for extreme winter conditions.
According to Nokian Tyres CEO Paolo Pompei, this technology represents one of the company's most important innovations since the invention of the winter tyre.
The principle is simple but revolutionary: the studs automatically emerge when the road surface becomes cold or icy and retract when conditions return to normal.
How does a retractable studded tyre work
The Hakkapeliitta 01 is capable of detecting ground temperature and adapting its behaviour accordingly.
When the road surface temperature drops and ice or snow appears, the studs emerge from the rubber to improve grip.
On the other hand, when the temperature exceeds approximately 5°C and that the road is no longer icy, the studs remain retracted in the tyre.
This technology makes it possible to obtain the benefits of a studded tyre only when necessary, without constantly suffering its disadvantages on dry or wet roads.
To develop this innovation, Nokian Tyres tested thousands of prototypes in several testing facilities, including:
- Ivalo Arctic testing centre in Finland
- The Hakka Ring circuit in Spain
- specialised laboratories
Measurable performance on the ice and the road
According to Nokian Tyres, the Hakkapeliitta 01 tyre delivers measurable gains compared to previous generations.
- +10 % of grip on ice
- +5 % grip on wet roads
- -30 % tyre wear
Another important benefit: the reduction in noise and road impact when the studs are retracted.
Studded tyres are often criticised for their noise and road wear. The adaptive system developed by Nokian Tyres aims precisely to reduce these effects.
The tread also uses several bio-based and recyclable materials such as:
- natural rubber
- of bio-resin
- oils derived from pine resin and rapeseed oil
Why this innovation could change the tyre market
This innovation could mark a new milestone in the evolution of the winter tyre.
Today, motorists have to choose between several solutions:
- classic winter tyres
- studded tyres
- all-season tyres
- snow chains or socks
With a tyre capable of automatically adjusting its level of grip, the trade-off between maximum safety and driving comfort could be reduced.
For tyre distributors and e-commerce platforms, this type of innovation also represents a new premium product category.
Can a retractable studded tyre replace snow chains?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. In practice, this type of tyre could reduce the need for chains in certain situations.
Thanks to its automatically activated studs, the tyre offers enhanced traction on icy or snowy roads.
However, it does not entirely replace snow chains for two main reasons:
- Legislation may require chains on certain roads
- In extreme conditions, chains remain the most effective solution
It is therefore more accurate to say that this innovation could reduce the use of chains, but not make them disappear.
An ambitious winter strategy for Nokian Tyres
The Hakkapeliitta 01 will be offered in 124 dimensions in order to equip a large number of vehicles.
The first target markets are:
- The United States
- Canada
- the Nordic countries
These regions regularly experience episodes of black ice and very harsh winters.
Nokian Tyres also plans to invest approximately €1.5 billion in the development of new tyres between 2026 and 2029, with a strong focus on winter and all-season tyres.
FAQ: Understanding retractable studded tyres
What is a retractable studded tyre?
It is a winter tyre capable of automatically deploying or retracting its studs depending on road conditions in order to optimise grip.
Quel est le nom du nouveau pneu Nokian Tyres ?
The tyre presented by Nokian Tyres is called Hakkapeliitta 01.
From what temperature do the nails activate?
When the road temperature drops below approximately 5°C, the studs can deploy automatically to improve grip.
Will this tyre be available in Europe?
The initial target markets are North America and the Nordic countries. Wider commercialisation could follow depending on regulation and demand.
Can this tyre replace snow chains?
Not completely. It can reduce their use, but certain routes or regulations still require the use of chains.
To see all Nokian tyres for sale at Pneus Online, click here: https://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/car-tyres/nokian/
