Goodyear reveals prototype EV tyres
Set for 2019 production
Goodyear has used the Geneva motor show to unveil a prototype tyre developed specifically for use with electric vehicles.
The EfficientGrip Performance is designed to cater for an ever-growing range of battery-powered vehicles. According to Goodyear, tyres on electric cars can wear up to 30 per cent faster than rubber on internal-combustion vehicles.
Why? Instant torque from the electric motors and extra weight from the batteries, apparently.
To combat these problems, the EfficientGrip Performance has 'thinner sipes' – small channels – in place of traditional radial grooves for a better contact patch. According to Goodyear, this helps the tyre deal with more torque, especially in the wet, and should make for a quieter cabin as well.
The shape of the tyre's interior has been designed to better handle the weight of batteries, while its tread compound has been formulated to slice rolling resistance. That should make for better range.
"The combination of increasing regulations to reduce emissions, the desire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and rapid gains in battery technology is creating an ideal environment for electric vehicles,” said Chris Delaney, president of Goodyear Europe.
“We are working with automakers to introduce our Electric Drive Technology next year designed to address the unique performance requirements of this growing vehicle segment.”
Expect to see the EfficientGrip Performance showing up on EVs in 2019.
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