X Line Energy tyre range now ‘AAA’ rated for rolling resistance, says Michelin

With the introduction of its latest drive axle tyre, Michelin has become the first tyre maker to offer tyres with an ‘A’ label rating for rolling resistance on all truck axle positions. The tyre maker now calls its X Line Energy line-up – of which more than 200,000 units have been sold since its introduction in January 2013 – its “triple A” range. The latest additions to the X Line Energy range are on display at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany this coming week.

The new X Line Energy D2 is currently the only ‘A’ rolling resistance rated drive axle tyre on the market. It features an all-new tread pattern, which Michelin describes as follows: “The highly compact crown limits the deformation of the tread blocks as the tyre rolls, thereby helping to reduce rolling resistance. The new pattern also offers excellent grip, thanks to the Tower Pump sipes that improve braking and traction on wet surfaces by temporarily storing the water in the contact patch. In addition, the 3D siping technology with micro-drops of water in the base of the tread pattern makes the blocks more robust and torque-resistant, thereby improving mileage.”

Another innovation Michelin claims with the X Line Energy D2 is the truck tyre market’s first silica tread compound, an advance it says “helps to lengthen tyre life and reduce rolling resistance.” It also uses the second generation of Michelin’s ‘Infinicoil Technology’ in the tyre’s crown band, and says these “smaller, yet stronger cables reduce moving masses, thereby improving rolling resistance.” In addition, the X Line Energy D2 retains all of the X Line Energy D, including the EnergyFlex casing that limits deformations and reduces rolling resistance, a self-regenerating tread and M+S and 3PMSF markings.

Michelin’s X Line Energy D2 will be introduced next year as an original equipment fitment in size 315/70 R22.5. It will subsequently become available in the replacement market.

Also new in the X Line Energy portfolio is the X Line Energy F. The ‘A’ rated steer axle tyre will be released as a size 385/55 R 22.5 original equipment fitment in 2015. Michelin says it “features a new tread pattern that further reduces its rolling resistance while continuing to deliver excellent grip thanks to its longitudinal raindrop sipes. It also features the EnergyFlex casing, M+S markings and the antisplash deflector.”

The ‘A’ rated Michelin X Line Energy T trailer tyre was introduced last year.