With over 1.2 million plugin vehicles across the UK, and with World EV day on 9 September, wheel alignment specialist Straightset has produced an infographic highlighting key facts about electric vehicles (EV) and ultimately arguing that wheel alignment is even more important on EVs.
The Tire Industry Association will hold a special Right to Repair/Electric Vehicle (EV) Forum on Monday, 30 October, the day before the opening of the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The two interlinked topics are at the forefront of tyre and automotive servicers’ minds around the world, as the health of an independent aftermarket increasingly depends on the ability to access car data from complex OEM systems. There is a relative consensus that legislative support is required to ensure independent servicers’ right to repair vehicles. At the same time, electric vehicles are creating new challenges for workshops, with extensive technician training a necessity to ensure workplace safety. These issues and more will be discussed with key industry stakeholders, including tyre dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and activists between 13:30 and 15:00 in Melrose 4 at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
Xingda, the steel tyre cord manufacturer, has released its sustainability report for 2022, the second of its kind. Within the details, the fact that 32.89 per cent of Xingda’s output consisted of super-high or ultra-high tensile strength products, commonly used in EV tyres, is noteworthy.
With manufacturers taking various strategies to achieve electric vehicle tyre growth, there is an opportunity for distributors to support tyre retailers in building consumer understanding of this still-new segment of the tyre market. It is arguably more important than ever that the leaps forward in EV tyre product development be supported by a well-informed distribution chain. Having assisted with EV tyre workshops and training sessions over the past two years, Graham Mitchell, Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS) wholesale director, updates Tyres & Accessories on its latest support for EV tyres, as well as its latest product range and view of the developing market.
Apollo Tyres’ 2022 launch of the Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV represented a first for the manufacturer as it brought to market Europe’s first dedicated all-season electric vehicle tyre. It has since added additional sizes to boost EV segment coverage. The tyre features a range of advanced design features and high-quality materials, delivering impressive levels of grip and traction in all conditions, while also promoting range via low rolling resistance and lighter construction. It is also designed for a quiet and comfortable ride. Apollo leveraged Vredestein’s experience in supplying all-season tyres dating back to the early 1990s, with the Quatrac Pro EV spearheading its move into specialised products for the emerging EV tyre segment, while also diversifying further its portfolio for the fast-growing European all-season tyre segment. “We are proud to pioneer this segment and will continue to lead the market with innovative products that cater for the next generation of vehicles,” Benoit Rivallant, president and CEO at Apollo Tyres Europe, told Tyres & Accessories.
Recent sales data from the SMMT reveals a new electric vehicle (EV) is registered every 60 seconds in the UK, indicating a strong shift towards greener transportation. This demand amplifies the need for optimised products with tyre performance to cater to the specific needs of these vehicles. Yokohama has designed the new Advan Sport EV to be tailored specifically for electric vehicles with several features to help EV drivers get the most out of their vehicles. Yokohama has indicated the tyre’s suitability for EV applications with an enhanced sidewall including the ‘E+’ mark. This emblem stands as an assurance of a product that combines technologies crafted specifically for EVs. The manufacturer says it signifies its dedication to promoting minimal electricity consumption and peak quietness, ensuring an unparalleled EV drive experience.
While most tyre manufacturers are evolving their approach to building ranges of electric vehicle tyres, with specialism not always the preferred route, a small number of tyre-makers were quick off the mark with new product lines. Korean manufacturer Kumho was one of the small number to bring an all-new product to the electric vehicle replacement tyre market, entering the burgeoning segment in 2016 with the Wattrun VS31. The tyre garnered several accolades for pioneering design work, including both the prestigious German Red Dot Design Award and American Green Good Design award. Now Kumho’s strategy is to bring its EV line more directly into alignment with its existing passenger car tyre brands; the Wattrun VS31 pattern has now been superseded by the Ecsta PS71 EV, the company’s next generation electric vehicle tyre.
Bridgestone shares that its Webfleet fleet management solution has “smashed” the Guiness World Records title for the greatest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge. Webfleet-sponsored drivers Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke and Fergal McGrath drove a Fiat E-Scudo fitted with Bridgestone Duravis tyres 311.18 miles (500.8 km) in total.
This month, Kumho Tire begins a global advertising campaign to promote its tyres for electric vehicles. The ‘Your EV Partner, Kumho Tire’ campaign will feature on online streaming services and various social media, including Kumho’s own ‘Ecsta TV’ YouTube channel.
One of the key messages the Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. announced at its recent Nurburgring event was that they tyremaker is applying a new “E+” mark to its passenger cars, from the second half of 2023. An official announcement from Yokohama Rubber’s Japanese headquarters has since confirmed that the same marking will also be applied to trucks and buses equipped with the same properties required by electrified vehicles. That 12 July official statement specifies that the term “Electrified vehicles” includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). In other words, the new E+ marking is Yokohama’s bid to bring clarity to exactly what an electric vehicle (EV) tyre is.
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.
Omni United is launching a range of tyres for electric vehicles under its flagship Radar brand. The line-up includes a dedicated EV tyre aimed primarily at the North American market, the Radar All Season EV, as well as EV-compatible fitments in the Dimax and RPX lines which apparently will be available in Europe.
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”.
In 1983, Zhang Shulin, Huasheng Rubber’s founder, began producing agricultural machinery springs, sealing rings and motorcycle rubber pedals in his six bungalows. 40 years later, this family workshop evolved into a large tyre company with five factories and over 7,000 employees. In the list of the top 100 companies released by the China Rubber Industry Association in 2023, Huasheng Rubber ranked 16th among tyre manufacturers with a revenue of 5.17 billion yuan (international brands, including Michelin, in this ranking, only count China company performance). We were curious about how this company survived the highly competitive Chinese tyre industry and realised the “Huasheng Dream” step by step. With this question in mind, Tyrepress China interviewed Zhang Jing, deputy general manager of Huasheng Rubber, during the 2023 Guangrao Tyre exhibition.
Targeting Generation Z and Millennial drivers, Prinx Chengshan has officially launched its flagship Prinx brand in European markets. The range was specifically developed for our region and includes a launch line-up of six tyre models that, according to the manufacturer, “cover all requirement types in the passenger car and SUV segment” and are suitable for both ICE and electric vehicles. Prinx tyres are available for wholesale from spring 2023.
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Xingda
Falken
Apollo Tyres
Yokohama
Kia
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Bridgestone
Giti Tire