900 kWh electric truck wearing Goodyear Kmax tyres

Goodyear has supplied Kmax Gen-2 steer and drive axle tyres for a vehicle billed as the world’s first fully-electric 40-tonne tractor unit boasting 900-kilowatt hours (kWh) of battery capacity. The Futuricum-made truck has been in daily use with Swiss logistics firm Galliker Transport AG since October 2021.

“Fleet operator Galliker is an absolute pioneer in the use of alternative drives,” comments Daniel Hedinger, sales manager truck at Goodyear Suisse. “Through the cooperation, we are gaining more and more knowledge with regards to electromobility and the demands upon our tyres.”

The Futuricum tractor unit can travel up to 500 kilometres or 310 miles on one battery charge, a range Goodyear considers sufficient for the applications it serves in and a “benchmark” operating radius for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles. The manufacturer adds that Goodyear Kmax Gen-2 supports this with “high mileage and excellent traction over the entire life of the tyre.”

An optimal compromise

Electric trucks place different demands on tyres than their ICE counterparts. Tyres must contribute towards extending range between charges while delivering traction, and Goodyear must therefore work to achieve an “optimal compromise” between rolling resistance and traction. In addition, electric trucks subject tyres to considerably more stress due to their high torque and the weight of their batteries. Durability demands placed upon the tyres are thus significantly higher.

“The Kmax Gen-2 offers high mileage performance through our low-wear tread rib technology, abrasion-resistant tread compound and optimised casing contour for even pressure distribution in the contact patch, combined with an optimal compromise between rolling resistance and traction,” states Eric Muller, director of products & innovation for commercial tyres at Goodyear EMEA. “The combination ensures year-round mobility in all operating and weather conditions. This is essential for Galliker, especially in the Alps when snow falls.”

Supporting green logistics

Goodyear supports Galliker’s sustainability goals both with retreadable tyres such as the Kmax Gen-2 and in its role as a supporting partner of Green Logistics by Galliker. Through its participation in the association’s support fund, Goodyear is contributing 15 tonnes of CO2 saved to Galliker’s sustainability goals this year. As of 31 December 2021, a total of at least 2,000 tonnes of CO2 had been saved by Galliker and its sponsorship association partners.

Galliker has set itself the goal of making its fleet CO2-neutral by 2050. With the association’s support, it anticipates reaching this goal even earlier. The association uses money from the fund to support CO2-neutral logistics services provided by Galliker Group companies in order to get sustainable electric vehicles such as the Goodyear-shod tractor unit on the road more quickly.