Page 13 - Commercial Vehicle Engineer - June 2021

NEWS
MICHELIN INTRODUCES ELECTRIC BUS TYRE
M ichelin has launched its first range of electric
bus tyres with the
introduction of the new Michelin X InCity EV Z onto the original
equipment and replacement markets. Initially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), the fitments can also be used on
traditional buses operating on urban and suburban routes.
The new tyres offer excellent safety, longevity and load capacity, while helping operators to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing rolling resistance – key to maximising range for EVs, according to Michelin.
“Today there are already 5,000 electric buses in use across Europe, and it is predicted there will be
10 times that number on the
road in five years’ time,” said Andrew French, director of Michelin Services & Solutions.
“Michelin is focused on supporting the transition towards cleaner, more efficient and more independent electric mobility solutions – a key factor in achieving sustainable cities. This new X InCity EV Z will play a crucial role in that strategy and we are confident it will quickly become one of the most important tyres in our range.”
To handle the additional weight of electric buses, which can be heavier than diesel-powered buses due to their batteries, the X InCity EV Z has an increased load carrying capacity of up to eight tonnes. In addition,
the inclusion of technologies such
as InfiniCoil, Forcion and Regenion helps to ensure exceptional mileage potential – ideal for fleets operating traditional vehicles, as well as electric buses, according to Michelin.
Safety has also been enhanced, with particular attention paid to protecting the sidewalls, which can come into regular contact with the kerb during everyday bus operations. A handy wear indicator on the side lets operators know when the tyres need to be rotated.
The casing is further enhanced with Powercoil – robust steel cables that improve endurance – and a bead design called Duracoil, which helps to protect the bead area leading to improved stability, casing endurance and retreadability. As well as aiding mileage potential, Forcion also improves resistance to abrasions, cuts, chunking and chipping.
Designed to be regroovable and retreadable, the range is marked 3PMFS.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JUNE 2021 13
“Fleets need to hit greater sustainability and efficiency targets whilst also looking for a long lasting, top performing product regardless of the powertrain. We’ve ticked all of the boxes with the U-AP 002.”
The tyre will also be supplied with electronic tagging system RFID (radio- frequency identification), which will
bring enhance the traceability of their
tyre casings and providing a time-efficient and accurate system for data sharing and entry. Customers will be able to freely access their report findings, which will help to educate the business and optimise their total cost of ownership.
Ward added that the ability to test the tyre with Stagecoach over 18 months was crucial in the tyre’s overall development. “We have managed to design a solution that not only benefits Stagecoach’s unique requirements, but society and the environment as a whole.”
Sam Greer, regional director for Stagecoach said: "We're pleased to
have worked with Bridgestone on the development and testing of their U-AP 002 tyre on our Manchester fleet. This cleaner, greener and quieter bus tyre has met all of our expectations and supports our drive to improve sustainability of our services."
“After 2020, many supply chain organisations need to catch up on their operator training”