BYD, one of the biggest electric vehicle manufacturers in China and indeed the world, has awarded a global OE tyre supply contract for its Atto 3 SUV to Continental, which was launched in the UK in March. Continental will now supply 235/50 R18 101V XL EcoContact 6 Q tyres designed to offer quiet and economical performance to numerous markets around the world.
Some tyremakers say you need specialist EV tyres, some don’t. Others have tried to straddle the fence with a bit of both. Continental has consistently argued that its tyres are of sufficient quality to handle the extra weight and torque demands of electric vehicles. Now, however, the German tyremaker has gone a step further and announced that it is so confident that “all current tyres from Continental already meet the high requirements of electric cars” that in future the company’s tyres will bear a new EV-compatible logo, highlighting Continental’s comprehensive EV product strategy.
The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has started selling HLC (high load capacity) tyres. According to the company, HLC tyres are designed “to meet the needs of heavy-duty passenger cars such as EVs and hybrid cars with high capacity batteries, as well as large SUVs.” Having been developed as the original equipment (OE), Yokohama Rubber reports that the company will also develop products for the replacement market in line with market needs.
The electric vehicle tyre market is evolving quickly, with manufacturers adding EV-appropriate technologies to existing ranges and in some cases launching new lines of specialist products. These products have several goals, most notably offering range-maximising fuel economy, increased resistance to wear, reducing noise, and the ability to carry heavier loads, all while demonstrating greater sustainability and continuing to offer a high level of safety performance. Naturally these characteristics require technological advancements in order to reconcile contradictory demands; for example, making lower-weight tyres that consume fewer materials while also increasing ruggedness to reduce wear and tyre emissions. With tyres specified for electric vehicles now appearing on the European aftermarket in greater numbers, the need for independent scrutiny is becoming greater, and German magazine Auto Motor und Sport has responded by comparing three of the newest EV-specified products with current flagships, fitted to comparable Kia EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
Enso, which describes itself as “the world’s first sustainable tyre manufacturer”, reports that it has “successfully proven the benefits of specialist electric vehicle (EV) tyres” in trials conducted as part of the TfL FreightLab Innovation Challenge. According to the company, Enso tyres outperformed standard-fit tyres both in terms of reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to 35 per cent and improving energy efficiency by up to 10 per cent in a 15-month trial.
Public transport operator Warrington’s Own Buses has switched to an exclusive Michelin policy with the tyre manufacturer’s Services & Solutions division, as the business prepares to transition its entire bus fleet from diesel to electric. An important part of the new agreement will see 105 new electric buses arrive at the company specified with Michelin X InCity EV Z tyres as original equipment. The X InCity EV Z is Michelin’s first range of bus tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs).
Building on its 2015 foundation, the UK-owned Davanti Tyres brand has developed a comprehensive range of products for the car and light truck segments while increasing its penetration via distribution partners in international markets. With its products produced in East Asia and its sister distribution company Oak Tyres handling UK distribution, the brand can offer an informed perspective on current car tyre market trends. Tyres & Accessories talked to Davanti Tyres sales director for UK and Ireland, Sean Maddocks about tyre imports, car parc evolution, and the latest Davanti products.
Yeovil-based Ariel Motor Company is probably best-known for the hair-raising fun associated with its Ariel Atom and Nomad. However, last August the company entered supercar territory with the launch of the 1180 bhp electric-powered Hipercar.
In 2022, several significant events took place in China’s tyre industry. These things had a profound impact on the tyre industry not only in 2022, but for a long time.
In 2022, China’s tyre industry has already carried out multiple rounds of the layout around new energy vehicles. Focusing on the product of passenger car tyres, seizing the new energy vehicle tyre market seems to be an essential strategy for significant tyre manufacturers to participate in future competition.
Following the news of the launch of the Quatrac Pro EV earlier this month, Vredestein has revealed further details about the product’s performance and range.
Bridgestone reports that it has applied its electric mobility expertise to the development of bespoke tyres for the BMW iX, the company’s first all-electric vehicle since its pioneering BMW i3. According to the tyremaker, the ultra-low rolling resistance Bridgestone Alenza tyres feature a host of cutting-edge technologies.
The public launch of the new Hankook iON race will take place at the Essen Motor Show early next month, ahead of the tyre’s competitive debut at the Mexico City E-Prix on 14 January 2023. Hankook Tire is an exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to Formula E and has developed a tyre specifically for the series that contains around 30 per cent sustainable materials.
Omni United is moving towards a more sustainable future via sustainable driving and carbon neutral manufacturing which it began in 2013 with its Radar Tyre brand. Now, the company is introducing a two-pronged electric vehicle (EV) tyre strategy. The first phase will see the development of EV-compatible tyre ranges while the second phase will result in a dedicated speciality EV tyre line-up.
December is approaching and so is the Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV. Europe’s first dedicated all-season electric vehicle tyre will arrive next month, with Apollo Tyres promising a “range of advanced design features and materials.” Developed specifically for year-round use by battery electric vehicles and hybrids, Apollo has created the tyre to deliver greater driving range while providing superior levels of grip and traction in all conditions – including ice and snow.
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BYD
Continental
Yokohama
Enso
Davanti Tyres
Ariel
Ernie Journeys; Unsplash
Vredestein
Bridgestone; BMW