All new Bridgestone tyres to be ‘EV-ready’

Bridgestone will make all of its future tyres suitable for electric vehicles (EVs), setting out its strategy to supply car tyre markets during the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electrified powertrains. Tyre-makers have approached EV tyres in a variety of ways, unveiling specialist product lines, adding EV-approved variations to existing product lines, or introducing new technologies to ensure entire portfolios are applicable to EV performance demands. Bridgestone’s Enliten tyre technology platform addresses these demands, which include improvements in energy efficiency, maximising battery range, and accommodating the increased weight and torque of EVs. A Bridgestone-commissioned survey showed increased consumer support for EVs on the back of both potential savings in fuel or energy prices and reducing the environment impact of their motoring.

Several recently launched Bridgestone tyres are already classed ‘EV-ready’, according to the manufacturer. These include the Turanza 6 and Turanza All Season 6, both of which target optimised performance for hybrid and EVs alongside ICE’s (Internal Combustion Engines). The tyres feature low rolling resistance, saving battery life and address range anxiety concerns, higher wear tolerance to combat tyre wear due to the increased weight and higher torque, and decreased noise for driver comfort owing to the near non-existent engine noise of EVs. Bridgestone now has tyre products to fit all of the world’s top 10 most popular EVs. Other products, like the Duravis Van in the commercial sector, are also benefitting from the Enliten tyre technology platform.

Andrea Manenti on benefits of Bridgestone’s ‘EV-ready’ strategy

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 (Photo: Bridgestone)

Bridgestone’s North Region vice president Andrea Manenti said: “The electric revolution is changing the automotive landscape, and Bridgestone is committed to making EVs more efficient, attractive and accessible for drivers and fleets across the globe. Enabled by our Enliten tyre technology platform, we’re engineering every Bridgestone tyre to be EV-ready – meeting both general performance demands and the specific requirements of electric vehicles.

“Bridgestone EMIA doesn’t develop EV-specific tyres for the replacement market; our EV-ready tyres meet both general performance demands and the specific requirements of electric vehicles – making electric mobility more efficient, attractive and accessible across the globe.

“Bridgestone’s mission as a business is ‘serving society with superior quality’, which is why our priority is to reduce complexity for our customers and provide choice in our offering, with tyre options to suit every need and journey. No matter what powers the vehicle, we understand that what drivers need from their tyres is unchanged. Whether driving internal combustion engine, hybrid or electric vehicles, drivers have the same top three priorities when it comes to tyres: grip, wet braking and wear life. Grip on the road is the number one priority for all.”

Bridgestone is keen to stress the distinction between EV-specific tyres for the replacement market and EV-ready tyres.

Manenti added: “Our EV-ready strategy creates a single product focus. For our customers, our approach simplifies their inventory management and cuts overhead costs. For the road users who depend on Bridgestone tyres, it empowers them to choose a tyre for its unique selling point, regardless of whether or not their vehicle is electric or ICE.

“And for Bridgestone, our EV-ready strategy creates a faster time to market, enabling us to react to real-world needs with greater speed and a wider product portfolio.”

Bridgestone concludes that its EV-ready strategy represents part of its E8 Commitment to continue to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company toward 2050.