Big Bus Tours is adopting the Michelin InCity EV Z tyre across its fleet in London after the product’s good performance on 20 Ankai HFF6121 open-top double-deckers that have been repowered from diesel to battery-electric. Fitment to the Ankais has delivered what Michelin says is reduced downtime and improved efficiency through low rolling resistance.
Equipmake carried out repower of the Ankai buses, with the last completed earlier this year. That resulted in an overall gain of 800kg per bus and a change in weight distribution, which led to questions about tyre loading, particularly on the steer axle.
Service provider Tructyre suggested to Big Bus Tours that bringing in Michelin experts would be a shrewd course of action. Those representatives then undertook a weighing exercise, taking into account passenger numbers and axle loads to establish optimum tyre pressures.
A resulting report proved the engineering concept but revealed that the previous tyres used were no longer suitable for the vehicles in their repowered state, especially on the rear-steer axle.
Speaking about the change, Big Bus Tours Head of Engineering – Europe Jon Reed says: “Michelin said to us that from a cost, as well as a duty cycle, perspective, ‘the Michelin InCity EV Z is the best tyre for you’. And it has been.
“They are performing well, and we have had zero complaints of road noise. We seem to be getting less sidewall damage too. While we are paying more for them initially than our previous brand of tyres, the cost is worth it. We are getting much longer life out of them.”
Rollout to most of the remainder of the Big Bus Tours fleet in London has progressed. Typically the 275/70 R22.5 size is used except for six Volvos at 305/70 R22.5.
Michelin adds that the range incorporates several technologies to give the best in urban and suburban passenger transport. Those deliver increased resistance to sidewall kerbing and tyre splitting; 3PMSF and M+S ratings coupled to Regenion technology to ensure grip in all conditions; and low rolling resistance.
