There is a greater trend toward an energy-efficient fleet—but do they need more advanced tires? Traditional tires can wear out up to 30 percent faster on electric vehicles due to the powerful, instant torque from electric motors and the additional vehicle weight from heavy battery packs. Now, one tire company is developing new tire technology to advance the performance of vehicles.
Goodyear recently announced it is developing tires that meet the specific demands of electric vehicles. Its EfficientGrip Performance with Electric Drive Technology is a prototype tire for the electric vehicle market. It says it will be on the road by 2019 in Europe.
Concept Tire Goes Green
At the same time, the company has unveiled Oxygene, a concept tire designed to support cleaner and more convenient mobility.
The tire has a unique structure that features living moss growing within the sidewall and has smart tread design that absorbs and circulates moisture and water from the road surface. This enable photosynthesis to occur and release oxygen into the air.
More than 80 percent of people who live in air pollution-measured urban areas are exposed to air quality levels that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) limits. This tire is designed to reduce material waste, emissions, and energy loss.
While these are two instances, tires continue to advance, and will soon offer unique benefits for energy-efficient vehicles.
