Bridgestone supports electric vehicle Rally with EV Ready tyres, Webfleet

Bridgestone will take part in the EV Rally 2023 in its own VW ID.4 (Photo: Bridgestone)

Bridgestone will sponsor the EV Rally 2023 for the first time, using its “EV Ready” tyre technologies on the 1,200 mile, five-day event. The rally spans the UK and Ireland between 3 and 7 July, commencing in Cardiff. The new Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Duravis Van tyres, designated ‘EV Ready’ by the manufacturer, will be in the spotlight as the rally demonstrates the countries’ charging infrastructure.

Bridgestone’s North Region vice president Andrea Manenti said: “Bridgestone couldn’t think of a more appropriate or relevant event to partner with than the EV Rally, as we make a long-term pledge to the environment and sustainability to earn the trust of future generations.

“It’s also an event which stimulates a number of emotions related to Bridgestone’s rich motorsport heritage, with the added values of sustainability and innovation.

“We’re investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible to drivers and fleets and the EV Rally is a brilliant campaign which shares our sustainable philosophy. We will be pioneering our premium, ‘EV ready’ tyre technologies and will demonstrate their value to a huge audience in the UK and Ireland over five exciting days.”

Beginning in Cardiff, the rally will move down to London, back up to Edinburgh, and then over the Irish Sea by boat before completing visits to Belfast and Dublin. It will stop at towns and cities in between, many of which will celebrate EV success stories in both technology and infrastructure but also potentially identify gaps. Bridgestone says its tyre technology development is tackling some of the issues raised, especially helping EVs travel further between charges, prolonging battery life.

The Bridgestone Turanza 6 is the first Bridgestone replacement tyre featuring its Enliten Technology and Techsyn, helping the tyre to offer both class-leading safety and improved mileage through reduced rolling resistance. It is also the first Bridgestone replacement tyre to be designated ‘EV Ready’: the manufacturer is approaching the EV tyre market with tyres compatible with the requirements of hybrid and electric vehicles, rather than specialised product lines.

Colin Boyton, EV Rally event manager said: “We are delighted that Bridgestone has joined us this year as the official tyre partner. It adds a whole new strand to the messaging and narrative that we can communicate while the rally is live.

“So much is made about the range, the innovative technology in the vehicles and charging infrastructure. But what sometimes gets lost is the other key parts and elements that make EVs the right choice, in terms of efficiency, and tyres are a big part of that. Together with Bridgestone, we aim to showcase just that.”

Bridgestone will partner with Volkswagen to take part in its own ID.4, one of more than 50 cars to take up the challenge. Bridgestone’s colleagues at Webfleet are also taking part with a van fitted with Bridgestone Duravis van tyres, with Webfleet telematics integrated into all the vehicles participating in the rally. Having Webfleet installed in EV Rally vehicles will enable live, online progress broadcasts and data insights to be provided on energy output, along with driving performance feedback.

The EV Rally will demonstrate UK and Irish EV charging infrastructure. The rally also aims to showcase the advancement of EV technology and to identify where in both countries there is more development work required. It is believed the event will showcase this rapid evolution and the availability of EVs to perform a range of tasks, helping to improve efficiency, save money, and reach net zero.