First Pirelli ‘HL’ tyre OE on Lucid Air

When Lucid Motors brings the Air to market in the second half of 2021, this inaugural model from the EV start-up will wear Pirelli’s very first high load index tyre – a new type of tyre dedicated primarily to electric or hybrid cars and SUVs. This original equipment arrangement initially pertains to Lucid Air models sold in the USA and sees Pirelli supply its P Zero to Lucid in size HL 245/35R21 99 Y XL for the front axle and HL 265/ 35R21 103 Y XL for the rear.

Developed to support the heavier weight of vehicles equipped with batteries, this version of the P Zero features the HL (high load) marking on the sidewall as an indication of its capabilities. It is able to support 20 per cent more weight compared to a standard tyre and six to nine per cent more weight than an extra load XL tyre of the same size.

Pirelli says it designed the tyre to provide low rolling resistance as well as a high level of driving comfort, and in accordance with its ‘Perfect Fit’ strategy it jointly developed the original equipment P Zero tyres together with the car maker. The tyres will be marked with ‘LM1’ on the sidewall, denoting their status as original equipment for a Lucid vehicle.

Anticipating future demands

“The search for cutting-edge technical solutions has always been at the very heart of Pirelli’s business,” comments Pierangelo Misani, Pirelli’s senior vice president of R&D and Cyber. “The attention we devote to all new forms of sustainable mobility now leads us to technology that is capable of anticipating the future demands of car manufacturers for their new electric and hybrid vehicles, which increasingly require specialised performance from tyres.”

“Lucid Air represents a technological breakthrough in terms of efficiency and performance. The new Pirelli HL tyres are integral to achieving such benchmarks,” adds Eric Bach, senior vice president of Product and chief engineer at Lucid Motors.

Elect & PNCS

These bespoke P Zero tyres will also benefit from Pirelli Elect and PNCS technologies. Pirelli Elect offers low rolling resistance to increase range, reduced rolling noise to maximise comfort, and a compound engineered for grip to respond to the instant torque demands of the electric transmission, as well as a structure capable of supporting the weight of the battery pack. To further increase interior comfort, PNCS technology which consists of a special sound-absorbing material placed within the tyre, helps deaden air vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted to the inside of the vehicle. The benefits of this system can be felt both inside and outside the car.

Pirelli jointly developed the original equipment P Zero tyres together with Lucid (Photo: Pirelli)