New Bridgestone Steer Tyres Intended to Meet Stricter Emission Standards

Bridgestone Europe has introduced two new truck steer-axle tyres, R249 EVO and R297 EVO, which it says will meet stricter European emission levels. The move anticipates an increased front-axle load for trucks due to the addition of new ‘clean’ technologies, notably SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), in compliance with Euro V and VI emission regulations.

According to Bridgestone, the R249 EVO and R297 EVO steer tyres have been designed to support this higher load capacity without sacrificing the safety, durability and cost efficiency offered by Bridgestone premium truck tyres. Importantly for operators, adds Bridgestone, these EVO tyres enable trucks to improve their environmental performance without compromising vehicle chassis height.

The R249 EVO highway tyre and R297 EVO regional tyre are designed to carry a load of 8 tons per axle in the 315/70R 22.5 size and 7.5 tons in size 315/60R 22.5. The Bridgestone R297 EVO is currently the only regional tyre capable of carrying 8 tons per axle. Bridgestone says it achieved this first by applying its Waved Belt and Turn-in-Ply Bead technologies, which increase durability and support higher load capacities. Other features of the R249 EVO and R297 EVO remain identical to the standard load index range.

Both these EVO steer tyres have been available as original equipment and replacements since January. Homologation as OE has already been approved or is in the process of gaining approval with three manufacturers. “Bridgestone was able to meet the high standards set by Renault, Volvo and Scania and has already been selected to supply these new EVO tyres as original equipment,” Hirotaka Migita, director Commercial Products, Bridgestone Europe, elaborated.