Bridgestone ‘ologic technology’ goes into sport mode

Bridgestone is pushing its high performance tyre design into new areas with its supply of the sporty new BMW i3s electric car.

Bridgestone’s new tyres for the i3s respond to changes typical of the relatively new field of electric car design. The vehicle has a sportier appearance with a broader rear track and more expansive rear wheel wells. Bridgestone has therefore delivered tyres 20mm wider than those on the i3, ensuring adequate traction to maximise the increased power and torque. The tyre is fitted on 20-inch rims standard on the i3s. In addition to summer and winter variations, Bridgestone is supplying a range of front and rear tyres to ensure a customised approach.

Bridgestone adds that the i3 and i3s demand a completely different tyre concept, due to the way electric vehicles transmit power. The manufacturer delivers this with its ‘ologic’ technology. Christophe de Valroger, VP of original equipment at Bridgestone EMEA, explains that the manufacturer uses “a narrow Ecopia EP500 tread pattern” for better grip – the tyre is labelled B in both rolling resistance and wet grip. The design also includes a larger tyre diameter that reduces rolling resistance and improves energy efficiency.