Overcoming tyre rolling resistance absorbs an average of 20% of the fuel burned by the vehicle[1]. Successive generations of brand-name tyres differ in the value of the rolling resistance coefficient – new technologies allow to reduce this parameter without deterioration of tyre-to-road adhesion. This is important for all drivers – lower fuel consumption means saving money, and for electric cars, less rolling resistance means longer travel ranges on a single charge. The decisions of customers affect not only their pockets, but also the environment – lower fuel consumption and slower wear of tyre tread result in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions while maintaining the best safety parameters.
Even 0.5 l / 100 km – this may be the difference in the fuel consumption of two passenger cars, one equipped with class A tyres and the other with class G tyres[2]. Brand-name energy-saving tyres, i.e. those with reduced rolling resistance coefficient, allow significant cut in gasoline expenses over the years – while maintaining high safety parameters. In addition, electric vehicles have different torque characteristics – even at low speed, tyres have to cope with the transfer of its high strength, without causing excessive tread wear and maintaining the greatest possible grip. This means that electric vehicles should be equipped with somewhat different tyres.
– The development of motorization and the emergence of electric vehicles is changing the tyre industry. Although we still do not know whether ‘clean’ electric cars or those powered by hydrogen will dominate the market, we know that they will need special tyres. Fortunately, the tyre industry is always a pioneer of innovation and knows how to respond to this demand – says Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA). – In the near future, smart tyres will appear on the market, which will not only be able to effectively shorten the braking distance or have sensors informing us in case of inadequate tyre pressure – just like tyres currently available on the market – but thanks to electronically conductive rubber compound they’ll be able to communicate with the road surface, recognize atmospheric conditions and perform their own diagnostics in terms of their wear or temperature – adds Sarnecki.
Energy efficiency is an indispensable part of the future of motorization. Choosing brand-name energy-saving tyres for our cars has positive effects regardless of whether we have an electric car or a car powered by both traditional fuel – on the basis of one basic condition – correct air pressure inside the tyres.
Labels – important data for drivers
From November 1, 2012, tyres sold in countries belonging to the European Union must come with appropriate labels. Reading information on the label is not difficult and the data on it is extremely important for every driver. On each brand new tyre there is a label with information on its 3 parameters:
– Just reading these three pieces of information will enable drivers to make much more thought-out consumer decisions and avoid the unpleasant consequences of driving on low-quality tyres – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association