BRUSSELS — Goodyear is preparing to launch later this year the second generation of its EfficientGrip Performance electric-vehicle tire line, promising the new version will deliver 50% longer life than the first generation, which launched in 2018.
Goodyear was planning to promote the launch this week at the Geneva International Motor Show, but that event was canceled after the Swiss government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people as a measure to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Instead, Goodyear held a video press conference from its European headquarters office in Brussels to launch the EfficientGrip Performance 2 and unveil its latest concept design, the Goodyear reCharge, which features a self-regenerating tread.
Goodyer claims the EfficientGrip Performance 2 offers 20% more tread life than the "next best tested" competitor, while continuing to outperform the competition wet and dry braking, according to Mike Rytokoski, chief marketing officer, consumer Europe.
Goodyear cited new tread elasticity compounding technology for the longer treadlife but did not provide details. On the braking front, Goodyear cited "lower compound stiffness" in the tread blocks that facilitate "block bending," which allows more water to be evacuated.
Mr. Rytokoski said half of all the new tires Goodyear has designed now are for electric vehicles, which require bespoke EV tires because they are heavier, due to weight of the batteries, and deliver extra torque.
As a result, EVs consume tires up to 30% faster than traditional internal-combustion engined vehicles, he said.
