As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable transportation, new electric vehicle (EV) tyre technologies are playing a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact. TyreNews.co.uk has been looking into recent innovations in tyre design and materials and the several benefits they offer, from reducing particulate emissions to enhancing energy efficiency.
Leading tyre manufacturers are at the forefront of these developments, introducing specialised tyres tailored specifically for EVs.
Dive into the full article below.
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One of the primary environmental concerns with traditional tyres is the emission of rubber particulates due to tyre degradation. The heavier weight and instant torque of EVs exacerbate this issue. To address it, tyre manufacturers are developing specialised EV tyres designed to withstand these unique pressures. These innovations aim to significantly reduce the amount of rubber particulates that contaminate the environment.
Advanced EV tyre designs are making strides in reducing rolling resistance. For example, Bridgestone's Enliten technology can decrease rolling resistance by up to 30%, requiring less energy to move the vehicle. This improvement extends the driving range of EVs and reduces their overall environmental impact by lowering energy consumption.
EV-specific tyres are engineered to be more energy-efficient, optimising the performance and range of electric vehicles. ENSO's innovative tyres, for instance, have demonstrated a 10% increase in range compared to standard tyres. This boost in efficiency translates to fewer energy resources needed per mile driven, further reducing the ecological footprint of EVs.
Tyre weight plays a crucial role in vehicle efficiency. Technologies like Bridgestone's Enliten can reduce tyre weight by up to 20%. Lighter tyres contribute to improved resource productivity and overall vehicle efficiency, making EVs even more eco-friendly.
Durability is another critical factor in the environmental impact of tyres. By focusing on developing longer-lasting tyres, manufacturers reduce the frequency of tyre replacements. This decrease in production and disposal rates significantly lowers the environmental toll associated with tyre manufacturing and waste.
Innovative companies are exploring the use of sustainable materials in tyre production. Levidian, for example, is utilising graphene produced with their LOOP technology. Graphene-enhanced tyres promise improved durability and may eliminate the need for toxic anti-ozonant additives, addressing both performance and environmental concerns.
EVs are inherently quieter than traditional vehicles, making tyre noise more noticeable. New EV tyre designs incorporate noise reduction technology, which helps decrease noise pollution, contributing to a more pleasant and quieter urban environment.
Although not directly related to tyre technology, EVs generally produce less brake dust due to their use of regenerative braking systems. This reduction in brake dust complements the environmental benefits of advanced EV tyres, further enhancing the sustainability of electric vehicles.
Several leading tyre manufacturers are implementing new technologies specifically for electric vehicles:
Michelin: They have developed EV-specific tyres like the Pilot Sport EV for electric sports cars and the e.Primacy for mid-sized to large EVs. Michelin's technologies include ElectricGrip Compound technology, Energy AirShield Compound, CoolRunning Sidewall, and MaxTouch Construction.
Pirelli: They launched their EV-specific Elect solution in 2019, focusing on driving comfort, reduced road noise, immediate grip, and lower rolling resistance. Pirelli has also been focusing on incorporating sustainable materials in their tyres.
Continental: Their EcoContact™ 6 tyre, featuring Green Chili™ technology, is designed for energy efficiency and long-lasting tread, making it ideal for EVs.
Bridgestone: They have developed the Turanza Eco tyre with Enliten™ technology, featuring B-SILENT technology for noise reduction, ENLITEN technology for lower rolling resistance, and OLOGIC technology for an optimised contact patch.
Vredestein: They have created the Quatrac Pro EV, the first all-season tyre designed specifically for electric vehicles.
These manufacturers are focusing on key areas such as reduced rolling resistance, noise reduction, handling higher vehicle weights, and improving overall energy efficiency to extend EV range while maintaining performance and safety.
New tyre technologies are crucial for EVs because they address the unique challenges posed by the heavier weight and instant torque of these vehicles. Innovations in tyre design and materials help reduce environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and improve overall vehicle performance and safety.
EV-specific tyres are designed to withstand the increased wear and tear caused by the heavier weight and higher torque of electric vehicles. These specialised tyres emit fewer rubber particulates, which helps reduce environmental contamination and pollution.
Advanced EV tyre designs, such as Bridgestone's Enliten technology, can reduce rolling resistance by up to 30%. Lower rolling resistance means that less energy is needed to move the vehicle, which extends the driving range of EVs and reduces their overall energy consumption and environmental impact.
EV-specific tyres are engineered to be more energy-efficient, optimising the performance and range of electric vehicles. For example, ENSO's innovative tyres have demonstrated a 10% increase in range compared to standard tyres, meaning fewer energy resources are needed per mile driven.
Reducing tyre weight, as seen with Bridgestone's Enliten technology, which can reduce tyre weight by up to 20%, contributes to improved resource productivity and overall vehicle efficiency. Lighter tyres enhance vehicle performance and reduce the energy needed to operate the vehicle.
Manufacturers are focusing on developing longer-lasting tyres, which reduces the frequency of tyre replacements. This lowers the environmental impact associated with tyre production and disposal. Additionally, using sustainable materials, such as graphene, further enhances durability and reduces the need for harmful additives.
EVs are inherently quieter than traditional vehicles, making tyre noise more noticeable. New EV tyre designs incorporate noise reduction technology, such as Bridgestone's B-SILENT technology, which helps decrease noise pollution and contributes to a quieter urban environment.
EVs often use regenerative braking systems, which reduce the need for traditional braking and consequently produce less brake dust. This complements the environmental benefits of advanced EV tyres, further enhancing the sustainability of electric vehicles by reducing particulate pollution.
