Earlier in May, MichelinintroducedthePilot Sport EV tire, its first tire especially made to address the need of electric vehicles.
Now we have another car tire manufacturer who’s focusing on the EV industry: Goodyear. In apress release, the company announced its first EV-dedicated replacement tire in North America, theElectricDrive GT.
Why would EVs need special tires to begin with, you ask?
Well, it all comes down to weight.Electric vehicles generally weigh more than conventional cars, which means they wear tires down much faster. Plus, worn tires will reduce the car’s range, so there’s a lot to win by preventing that from happening.
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In response to that, Goodyear has created its tire withan asymmetric tread pattern and specialized tread compound, which it claims provides an enhanced all-season traction in both wet and dry road conditions.
The company has also focused on adding to the EVs’ noiseless value.The ElectricDrive GT features Goodyear’s SoundComfort Technology, which “acts as a built-in sound barrier that helps reduce road noise.”
And while Michelin has already launched itsPilot Sport EV in various sizes in Europe and North America, Goodyear will initially offer its tire in size 255/45R19 104W XL, which it says fits to some of the most popular EV high-performance models.
Plans to expand theElectricDrive GT’s portofolio are underway for 2022.
What’s the takeaway?
Talking about tires isn’t really interesting, but what’s striking here is that we’re witnessing a shift to EVs not only by automakers, but also by other industries affiliated with the auto world.
Check out thestatementofAndrew Lau, Goodyear’s product marketing manager:
With the continued growth in the EV segment, Goodyear recognized an opportunity to provide consumers with a tire designed for the unique needs of these vehicles.
Yes, folks, thingsare changing. The EV segment might still be a minority in selling and ownership numbers, but its increasing traction has nevertheless put it in the auto map as specific entity with individual needs and market requirements.
Well, this makes me very hopeful about how soon we can embark on an electric future.
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainabili(show all)Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainability, green tech, AI, and EU policy. With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
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