Electric vehicles are now an essential part of the automotive industry and while manufacturers have already accelerated towards it full-tuck, components manufacturers are now catching up. At the ongoing consumer tech show, CES, tyre company Goodyear introduced the latest in their line-up of EV tyres, the ElectricDrive 2.
Goodyear ElectricDrive 2
Goodyear says that the ElectricDrive 2 features an aerodynamic sidewall that helps with lowering drag and enables lower rolling resistance. Additionally, the company also says that the tyres are made of at least 50 percent sustainable material such as soyabean oil, rice husk, ash silica and sustainably sourced natural rubber.
Goodyear has also said that the tread compound has been developed to last longer, a fairly important requirement for an EV-specific tyre. The first iteration of these rubbers known as the ElectricDrive GT came with a 60,000-mile (96,560-km) warranty. According to California-based automotive research company, Kelley Blue Book, EV tyres typically last anywhere between 30,000 and 40,000 miles (48,280-64,373 km).
According to a recently conducted consumer EV research, Goodyear found that EV owners typically look at two major factors when buying new tyres – a quieter cabin and wet road performance. For performance, the company developed an asymmetric tread pattern that helps optimise grip in both wet and dry road conditions. The tyre also features something Goodyear calls SoundComfort Technology, a built-in sound barrier made of foam that helps transmit less road noise into the cabin.
Commenting on the event, David Reese, Vice President of Product Development at Goodyear Americas said, "With the continued adoption of EVs, we want to meet consumer and market needs with an updated EV replacement tire. We know EV drivers prioritize performance and a more-sustainable tire. The ElectricDrive 2 was designed with at least 50 percent sustainable materials, a focus on providing greater traction and maintaining a quiet ride."
Why EV-specific tyres matter
This isn’t common knowledge but traditional tyres tend to wear out faster when mounted to EVs. The heavier weight of electric vehicles as compared to their ICE counterparts means added pressure on the tyre and its compounds. This creates more friction on road surfaces which causes the compounds to wear out faster. EV-specific tyres like the ElectricDrive 2 are made from firmer compounds which tend to wear out slower. Another advantage to EVs is the added range. These tyres are built with aerodynamic sidewalls that reduce the drag co-efficient thereby reducing the energy it takes to propel the car.
On the other hand, EV-specific tyres are generally more expensive as well but come with the added benefit of a longer life.
Availability
The all-season Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 tyres will be available for purchase in the United States, starting May onwards. The company says it will be available in 17 sizes and fit the likes of the Tesla Model 3, Y and S as well as the Chevy Bolt, Audi Q4 e-tron, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and many more.
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