Goodyear adds new tyre to ElectricDrive range for EVs

Due to their heavier weight and quieter running, as well as even greater importance for low rolling resistance, electric vehicles require a new generation of tyres. Those that are designed for vehicles with combustion engines are okay but they would not be optimised for EVs.

This has led tyremakers like Goodyear to develop its ElectricDrive range of tyres specifically for EVs. These have been developed with the company’s Electric Drive Technology which made its debut 5 years ago. The technology addresses the unique performance requirements of EVs so they can perform better.

Requirements for EV tyres
Goodyear testing revealed that tyres for non-EVs can wear out up to 30% faster on EVs due to the powerful, instant torque from electric motors. The additional vehicle weight from heavy battery packs also puts more load on the tyres.

In addition to durability requirements, carmakers also want tyres to have lower rolling resistance because that has an effect on range. The bodies are already made aerodynamically efficient to slip through the air and with lower resistance on the tyres, less energy will be used to cruise at a given speed.

EVs are also much quieter – with up to 50% lower noise levels – compared to vehicles with combustion engines. Here too, there is a need for tyres that are designed to generate even lower levels of noise.

ElectricDrive tyres for EVs
All these requirements were met with the ElectricDrive range which was introduced with the ElectricDrive GT in December 2021. This ultra-high performance tyre was Goodyear’s first replacement tyre in North America specially for EVs.

The range was widened by the end of 2022 with more sizes as well as another tyre, the ElectricDrive for commuter touring sedans and crossover utility vehicles.

Both tyres are all-season tyres which are more suited in climate where there are extreme changes between summer and winter conditions. Instead of having to buy separate tyres for each period, all-season tyres can be used throughout the year though they may have performance compromises in some respects.

Third tyre in ElectricDrive range
This year, Goodyear has added another tyre to the ElectricDrive range – the ElectricDrive 2. Also an all-season tyre, this new addition draws on technologies used for the other tyres.

While offering enhanced performance such as lower rolling resistance and long-lasting tread life, each tyre also contains at least 50% sustainable materials (by weight). The aerodynamic sidewall and innovative compound also lowers aerodynamic drag around the tyres.

SoundComfort Technology
According to recent consumer EV research conducted by Goodyear, maintaining a quiet ride and wet road performance are the top two features that EV owners look for when considering a tyre today.

To meet drivers’ needs, the new ElectricDrive 2 has SoundComfort Technology, a built-in sound barrier that helps reduce interior vehicle noise and an asymmetric tread pattern that provides confident handling for wet or dry road conditions.

SoundComfort Technology uses foam inserts that help reduce the level of interior vehicle sound. The technology works directly to reduce the tyre air cavity resonance which is one of the main sources of tyre noise. It is produced by air vibration inside the tyre and transmitted to the vehicle’s structure.

This all-season tyre will be available from May 2024 in the USA. It will be available in 17 sizes for EV sedans and CUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, Model 3 and Model S; Ford Mustang Mach-E; Chevrolet Bolt; and Audi Q4 e-tron.

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