GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America has launched the Michelin X Line Energy D+ tire — an ultra-low rolling resistance, dual-drive line-haul tire — to the North American replacement market.
The tire was developed over a three-year period through an advanced-engineering project with the objective of reducing the fuel consumption of the next-generation Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, Michelin said. The project yielded a product with the lowest rolling resistance offered by Michelin in a dual-fitment drive tire.
"The Michelin X Line Energy D+ sets a new standard for Michelin," Adam Murphy, vice president, B2B marketing for Michelin, said. "With about 35 percent of vehicle fuel consumption attributed to overcoming tire rolling resistance, this tire delivers both fuel savings while providing exceptional traction for driver confidence."
As Michelin's most fuel-efficient drive tire for long-haul applications, the Michelin X Line Energy D+ tire 275/80R22.5 size is designed for fleets looking to save hundreds of dollars in fuel spend with an estimated annual fuel savings of $725, the tire maker said.
This tire meets SmartWay requirements and is greenhouse-gas 2 regulation and CARB compliant.
The X Line Energy D+ features a tread compound designed for fuel efficiency; Infini-Coil technology that wraps 1/8-mile of steel cable around the casing to eliminate casing growth and ensure a consistent footprint and even wear; and a casing designed with high-tensile-strength steel belts capable of supporting multiple retreads, according to Michelin.
The tire also features interlocking, edge-biting tread sipes and regenerative tread grooves designed to provide improved grip and traction throughout the life of the tire.
The X Line Energy D+ comes with the 7/7/3 manufacturer's limited casing warranty, including coverage against defects in workmanship and materials for 700,000 miles, seven years or three retreads from the date of manufacture when retreaded by an authorized Michelin Retread Technologies dealer.
The tire is available in the U.S. and Canada.