Key Points
In 1845, somewhere between inventing a system for detonating explosives by electricity and the refillable fountain pen, Robert Thomson, a Scottish engineer and entrepreneur, patented the first pneumatic tirea then wondrous, now everyday item that has been gradually evolving ever since...
On the one hand, while passenger safety remains a priority, the right tires can have a significant effect on efficiencyand thereby the range of your EVbut on the other they're also a source of noise and pollution...
Since the traditional global tire market is worth well over $200 billion, and 2.5 billion tires are sold a year worldwide, manufacturers are rubbing their hands at the coming death of pure combustion cars, and gearing up for a battle to fashion the ideal balance of eco credentials, performance, and efficiency that will create the perfect EV tire..
According to Michelin, a set of four of its CrossClimate 2 tires sheds 1.5 kilograms of material during 20,000 kilometers of travel, whereas the industry average is 3.5 kilograms, and the worst brands can produce as much as 8 kilograms..
While the tire industry is increasingly exploring bio-based materials, such as natural rubber, tires themselves, and the pollution they generate, are not yet biodegradable, says Erlendsson..
