New GT Radial dual approach to electric vehicle tyres “a game changer”

Giti Tire brand offers both AAA-rated specialist EV tyre, the GT Radial SportActive 2 EV, in 3 sizes and 16 “EV-ready” variations of its existing summer tyre lineup

The GT Radial EV Ready sidewall logo on the new dual version SportActive 2 (Photo: Giti Tire)

GT Radial has unveiled its “dual approach” strategy to the electric vehicle tyre market. The headline news is that the brand’s manufacturer Giti Tire has produced an initial three 18-20” sizes of the specialist GT Radial SportActive 2 EV tyre, with the 19 and 20-inch variations achieving the top AAA label rating. GT Radial has also introduced 16 “EV Ready” tyres in the brand’s popular SportActive 2 and FE2 portfolios, demonstrating the manufacturer’s strategy to supply both specialist EV tyres and products suitable for EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Giti’s European managing director – product technology, Stefan Fischer explains why the tyre manufacturer views this approach as “a game changer”.

“We are very excited to reveal and proud to be able to offer to our customers, and to the market in general, a dual electric vehicle approach to fulfil the special requirements of EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

“Dual is the key word here, because after a six-year research and development programme we have an in-depth portfolio of high-performing tyres for electric vehicles, through the GT Radial SportActive 2 EV and EV Ready platforms, as well as for the more traditional ICE replacement market.

“It is about creating tyres that are designed specifically for certain vehicle segments, not just a general option for the motorist which may or may not be suitable.”

GT Radial SportActive EV

Stefan Fischer, managing director – product technology at Giti Tire Europe (Photo: Giti Tire)

Giti is initially launching the GT Radial SportActive 2 EV in three sizes: 235/45R18 Y, 235/55R19 V and 255/45R20 H. The latter two 19” and 20” variations achieve AAA label results.

The tyres were designed and engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research & Development Centre in Hannover, Germany. The manufacturer says it used its extensive OE experience to introduce several new technologies for its first Europe-focused GT Radial specialist EV tyre. The SportActive 2 EV features a new ULRR compound that delivers “up to 15 per cent lower” rolling resistance compared to the standard UHP product, the manufacturer states.

Specifically designed for heavy and powerful electric vehicles, including the best-selling Tesla Model 3 and other EU and Korean SUVs, like the Kia EV6, safety has remained a core priority with the manufacturer delivering all A labels in wet grip without sacrificing other performance areas. A revised design of the tyre’s construction has brought a four per cent reduction in weight to improve efficiency alongside its precise control. Summing up, Giti says the GT Radial SportActive 2 EV delivers “superb wet and dry grip, long lasting mileage and a confident, fun driving experience.”

Giti intends to bring more sizes to market in 2024 to cover a wider range of popular electric cars and SUVs, including the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born, as well as the standard and optional sizes on the VW platform for the VW ID.4, Skoda Eniaq iV and Audi Q4 e-tron, to name a few.

‘EV Ready’ lineup

The GT Radial EV Ready sidewall logo (Photo: Giti Tire)

The other half of GT Radial’s dual EV strategy is kick-started with 16 sizes across the GT Radial SportActive 2 and GT Radial FE2 portfolios. These variations are clearly identified with an EV Ready sidewall logo to show that these are fully compatible for ICE, mild and plug-in hybrid (MHEV and PHEV) as well battery electric (BEV) drivetrain vehicles.

The European Research & Development Centre again led the project which has resulted in A grade wet grip, low B and C rolling resistance, and the same mileage expectations as the conventional versions of the two tyres across every size. Giti adds that this is just the beginning, with a “comprehensive increase in EV Ready sizes” to be announced in 2024.

Fischer continued: “The EV Ready tyres show our long-term planning. These tyres were launched last year, but we ultimately knew that our EV strategy would come to market in 2023 so they were already designed for use across all drivetrains. The EV Ready badge is now added to highlight its versatility.

“The European Research and Development Centre team has brought all their OE knowledge to the new GT Radial SportActive 2 EV and EV Ready tyres, and the results, both in terms of what we offer and what this means for tyre dealers, are a game changer.”

Brian McDermott, country manager – UK for Giti Tire (Photo: Giti Tire)

Brian McDermott, country manager – UK for Giti Tire, added: “The GT Radial brand development continues to open up a whole new world of profitable avenues for dealers who will be able to offer a fantastic tyre solution for every drivers’ needs. Our EV strategy completes the jigsaw.

“To deliver an A grade in wet grip across every single tyre, without compromising on all other performance characteristics, and to achieve two AAA results, which marks the first time in the history of the GT Radial brand, is an amazing achievement and one that has to be applauded.

“The GT Radial portfolio continues to go from strength-to-strength and will continue to do so as more-and-more sizes of the current portfolios and all-new new products come to the UK market.”

GT Radial is the primary car tyre brand of Giti Tire in the UK market. It is distributed exclusively by Micheldever Tyre Services.