Michelin has introduced a range of tyres specifically designed for electric buses.
The Michelin X InCity EV Z tyre has been designed with the extra weight of electric buses in mind, and as such has an increased load carrying capacity of up to eight tonnes (when compared to the X InCity XZU tyre).
The tyres also include Michelin’s InfiniCoil, Forcion and Regenion technologies, as well as special attention to sidewall protection with a wear indicator that lets operators know when tyres need to be rotated.
Powercoil steel casing improves endurance and Duracoil bead design protects the bead area for improved stability, casing endurance and retreadability.
“Today there are already 5,000 electric buses in use across Europe, and it is predicted there will be 10 times that number on the road in five years’ time,” says Andrew French, Director of Michelin Services and Solutions, which manages tyres for some of the UK’s largest bus fleets. “Michelin is focused on supporting the transition towards cleaner, more efficient and more independent electric mobility solutions – a key factor in achieving sustainable cities.
“This new X InCity EV Z will play a crucial role in that strategy and we are confident it will quickly become one of the most important tyres in our range.”
The X InCity EV Z tyre is being introduced to the original equipment and replacement markets. As well as being designed for electric vehicles, Michelin says the tyres are suited to traditional buses operating urban and suburban routes.
The range is designed to be regroovable and retreadable and is marked 3PMFS. To simplify management it will be available in one standard size: 275/70 R 22.5 152/149J.
