Michelin OE on £13K electric Renault

Renault’s new electric car, the ZOE, is scheduled to be launched this year; the car, which is closely based upon the ZOE Preview concept car displayed in 2010, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK with a starting on-road price tag of £13,650 (after Plug-in Car Grant deduction). All ZOE models equipped with 15 and 16-inch rims will be fitted with Michelin’s new Energy E-V tyre as standard equipment.

The French tyre maker reports the Energy E-V was developed through a joint four-year research and innovation programme with Renault, and in near-urban use the tyres help increase the ZOE’s range by up to six per cent, depending on the type of use.

“Michelin’s goal is to design tyres that help to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the same high performance in the areas of safety – especially wet grip – and longevity,” said Michelin in a press statement. “Michelin is deeply committed to simultaneously improving tyre quality in different areas. This constant focus on balanced performance was an important reason behind Renault’s decision to forge the development partnership. Based on more than 20 years of research to develop solutions that save energy and reduce carbon emissions, the Michelin Energy E-V today integrates Michelin’s most advanced technologies and applies them to deliver cleaner, safer electric mobility, which is exactly what the Renault ZOE offers.”