Sailun equips Vollers E-truck with EcoPoint3 tyres

In the landscape of modern fleet management, increasing demand within the local public transport and freight haulage sectors underscores the significance of electric propulsion. While the focus on electric vehicles extends beyond cars, the common challenge of optimising range persists across all vehicle types. This poses a pertinent question for operators of electric trucks: How to maximise range without resorting to simply installing larger batteries? The answer lies in a critical but sometimes overlooked component – tyres.

Recognising the pivotal role of tyres in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in freight transport, European logistics firm Vollers Group has outfitted its inaugural Volvo FM Electric truck with Sailun Fuel Pro SDL2 drive axle and Fuel Pro SFL2 front/steer axle tyres.

“Tyres in particular are often underestimated but are highly relevant in the freight transport of the future,” says Stephan Cimbal, marketing director at Sailun Europe. “This is precisely why we work closely with vehicle manufacturers and technology companies and offer tyres specifically for these requirements.”

The decision to equip Vollers Group’s E-truck with Sailun tyres made with EcoPoint3 technology underscores Sailun’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Combined with other characteristics, Sailun Group credits with EcoPoint3 reducing resource consumption, minimising rolling noise, lowering carbon emissions, and maximising fuel efficiency. The efficacy of Sailun’s truck tyres has been validated by TÜV SÜD, which awarded Fuel Pro SDL2 and SFL2 the A label for energy efficiency, acknowledging their potential to save up to eight per cent on fuel compared to conventional premium brands. “The cost per kilometre and longer range categories are very important, especially in our industry,” comments Christian Vollers, managing partner of the Vollers Group.

Essential characteristics for EVs

When working with electric vehicles, the importance of selecting the right truck tyres cannot be overstated. Stephan Cimbal elaborates on the unique challenges faced by electric trucks, emphasising their exposure to higher torque during acceleration. Not only must these tyres offer low rolling resistance, but due to battery weight, and how this weight is distributed, they must also withstand greater loads compared to their counterparts fitted to combustion engine vehicles. Furthermore, Cimbal underscores the significance of the tread compound and optimised ground contact area in minimising rolling resistance. This ensures even pressure distribution across the tyre, crucial for enhancing efficiency. “The Sailun Fuel Pro SDL2 in combination with the SFL2 enable consistently high mileages and extremely low rolling resistance, thus offering the essential characteristics for the economical operation of electrically powered commercial vehicles.”

Wear resistance is another important aspect of the development process. The abrasion-resistant features of the EcoPoint3 compound don’t conflict with those for low rolling resistance. Sailun adds that this also applies to the tyre’s traction and its braking performance, especially in wet conditions. “Our developers have succeeded across the board in harmonising all properties and consistently adapting them to the needs of customers in the truck industry,” says Cimbal.

The latest generation of Sailun truck are credited with not only achieving a high level of balance between conflicting objectives such as mileage, braking, and handling performance but also matching the longevity and safety standards of tyres designed for trucks with conventional drives. This commitment to excellence underscores Sailun’s dedication to providing durable and reliable tyres tailored to meet the evolving demands of electric vehicle fleets.