Nokian's record breaking electric performance on ice

Test driver Janne Laitinen from Nokian Tyres reached a speed of 252.09 km/h (156.64 mph) in the E-RA electric car on the ice of Lake Ukonjärvi in Inari, Finland. The record, achieved on 17 March by Nokian and the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences' high-tech E-RA (Electric RaceAbout) vehicle, is unique.

The top speed of this sports car with a 280-kW electric motor reached over 260 km/h (161.59 mph) in the freezing weather. The relentless grip and stable handling necessary at such extreme speeds were ensured by regular production Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tyres (225/40R18). 

Testing in demanding conditions forms an essential part of Nokian’s winter tyre development and the company feels that the record and co-operation in the E-RA project are great ways to gain new experience and continue progress at the peak of development. This is a true source of inspiration for developers of tyres, whose greatest challenges include optimising the safety characteristics and low rolling resistance, which greatly affects the range of electric vehicles, says Matti Morri, Technical Customer Service manager for Nokian Tyres.

The test was carried out on a six-kilometre track and it was performed according to the regulations of the Guinness World Records organisation. However as a class does not yet exist for this type of record, the Guinness organisation was not involved in certifying the test and it is therefore not an “Official Guinness World Record”

The time and speed for the one-kilometre distance was measured in both directions. The record is an average of these two measurements. The vehicle takes a flying start, and the allowed time frame is one hour. The tyres must be commercially available and approved for road traffic in the country in which the record attempt takes place.

The official Guinness World Record for driving on ice is also held by Nokian Tyres and test driver Janne Laitinen. The speed record achieved on the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia in March 2011 with a petrol-powered car is 331.61 km/h (206.05 mph).

The electric car E-RA is a display of skill by Finnish students and the development partners. The car has been built from scratch, using the latest technology in electric power trains and battery systems. At a minimum, the vehicle consumes only 14.5 kWh per 100 km, corresponding to 1.6 litres of fuel.