Sustainable materials, AAA rating: Pirelli launches P Zero E

Exclusive tyre partner Pirelli has made the most of its presence at Goodwood Festival of Speed, presenting three additions to the P Zero family. In addition to the recently unveiled P Zero Trofeo RS and the P Zero R, a supercar tyre adapted for everyday use, Pirelli showed the P Zero E, which launches with an EU label triple A rating in every size.

Introducing the P Zero E, Pirelli describes the tyre as a “concentration of technology and sustainability that complements the other P Zero tyres in the range.” In addition to achieving the aforementioned AAA rating through tread pattern design and use of Pirelli’s Rolling Reduction Compounds, P Zero E strokes the sustainability zeitgeist by being the first UHP tyre with more than 55 per cent sustainable materials. These bio-based or recycled materials are verified by Bureau Veritas and confirmed on the tyre’s sidewall by a new logo that Pirelli will in future employ to identify products containing a high percentage of natural and recycled materials.

Furthermore, an analysis of the tyre’s entire lifecycle, carried out by Pirelli and validated by Bureau Veritas, shows a 24 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a previous-generation Pirelli tyre, the P Zero PZ4 in 235/45 R18 98 Y (IP 27429).

Elect & RunForward

All P Zero E tyres carry the Elect marking on the sidewall, identifying the package of technologies developed by Pirelli to enhance the characteristics of electrified cars. The tyre also contains RunForward, with this technology making its debut in the P Zero E.

RunForward helps the vehicle maintain control in the event of a puncture and allow journeys to continue. And while run-flat tyres are nothing new, RunForward allows the tyre to retain its A label rating for rolling resistance even with zero pressure. The system consists of reinforcing panels on the internal and external sidewalls of the tyre that support the structure and allow maximum speeds of 50 mph or 80km/h for up to 25 miles or 40 kilometres should a puncture occur.

Pirelli adds that the structure and compounds of tyres equipped with RunForward technology “consequently deliver driving and acoustic comfort comparable to a traditional tyre while keeping rolling resistance low.” It designed this technology with battery electric vehicles in mind as these vehicles require quiet tyres and often don’t come with a spare wheel due to the presence of the batteries. Another advantage of Pirelli RunForward tyres is that there is no need to have special rims to benefit from all the advantages of this technology.

The P Zero E enters the Pirelli range in September and will be initially available in 17 sizes for the aftermarket from the second half of 2023. Development of specific original equipment versions is already underway.