Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a leading global tire manufacturer, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to meet the burgeoning demand for tires tailored specifically for electrified vehicles. In response to the increasing popularity of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), Yokohama Rubber is introducing the new and exclusive “E+” mark on its tires designed for passenger cars, trucks, and buses.
Electrified vehicles are rapidly gaining traction as more consumers and businesses shift towards eco-friendly transportation options. As a result, the automotive industry has witnessed a surge in the production and adoption of electric vehicles across various segments. However, these electrified vehicles impose unique demands on tires, necessitating specialized designs to optimize their performance.
Tires installed on electrified vehicles must confront a set of distinct challenges compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These challenges arise due to the specific characteristics of electrified vehicles, including:
Electrified vehicles house heavy batteries, which significantly add to their overall weight. Tires for such vehicles must possess enhanced strength and durability to cope with the additional load.
Electric motors in electrified vehicles deliver instant and high torque, demanding tires with robust traction and grip to efficiently transfer power to the road.
One of the remarkable features of electric vehicles is their quiet operation. Tires designed for electrified vehicles should complement this silence by minimizing road noise and vibrations.
Optimized tire design can play a crucial role in enhancing the energy efficiency of electric vehicles, thus extending their driving range.
Yokohama Rubber has been at the forefront of supplying original equipment (OE) tires to numerous prestigious electrified vehicle models, including the BMW iX3, Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, Lexus RZ, Toyota bZ4X, Subaru SOLTERRA, Nissan Sakura, and Mitsubishi Motors’ eK X EV. This vast experience in providing tires for electric vehicles has enabled Yokohama Rubber to gain valuable technological expertise, which they are now leveraging to intensify their tire development efforts.
To cater to the replacement tire market for electrified vehicles, Yokohama Rubber is proud to unveil the new “E+” mark. This distinctive mark will be prominently displayed on Yokohama tires that incorporate cutting-edge technologies to meet the unique demands of electrified vehicles. The “E+” mark will serve as a clear indication of a tire’s suitability for use on electric vehicles, making it easier for customers to choose the right tires for their specific electrified vehicle models.
The “E+” mark will not only be featured on Yokohama tires themselves but also in comprehensive tire catalogs and on the company’s official website. This ensures that customers have easy access to information about tires that are tailor-made for electrified vehicles, facilitating a seamless tire selection process.
The ADVAN Sports EV, an ultra-high-performance summer tire exclusively designed for electric vehicles, will be the first to bear the prestigious “E+” mark. Scheduled for release in Europe and other markets in the autumn of 2023, this tire represents Yokohama Rubber’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of tire technology to meet the evolving needs of electric vehicles. As the automotive industry continues its transition towards sustainable transportation, the demand for electrified vehicles is set to surge even further. Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.’s introduction of the “E+” mark on its tires signifies a significant step towards addressing the unique demands posed by electrified vehicles. With its commitment to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility, Yokohama Rubber is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tires for the electric vehicle revolution. The “E+” mark stands as a symbol of excellence, assuring customers that they can trust Yokohama Tires to deliver superior performance, energy efficiency, and reliability for their electrified vehicles.
