All corners of the auto industry are catching up as more buyers prefer electric vehicles. The latest news comes from leading tire maker Goodyear, which revealed its plans to further support the electric vehicle market.
You might recognize the Goodyear name from the wide selection of tires it offers for just about any vehicle, or from the big blue and yellow blimps you see on race days. Either way, Goodyear is one of the largest tire makers in the world, with sales in just about every region.
A company that’s been in business for over 120 years — like Goodyear — knows how to stay ahead. That’s exactly what the tire maker is doing by expanding options for EV owners.
Since EVs perform differently than gasoline-powered cars (i.e. the feel of instant torque), conventional tires aren’t ideal. In fact, the company claims EVs can wear standard tires 30 percent faster.
Goodyear recognized this, and in 2018 launched its first tire specifically designed for electric vehicles. The tire maker claims that with a unique tread design, they last longer, provide longer driving range, and are able to support the weight of the battery.
Last year, Goodyear took an even bigger step in the electric vehicle market, revealing its ElectricDrive GT electric vehicle tire—the first replacement tire from the U.S. manufacturer to hit the North American market.
Electric vehicle tires were originally designed for Tesla vehicles, but the company is adapting to the new model. Still, Goodyear’s latest EV tires are designed to fit several of the most popular models (not just Tesla’s).
Goodyear unveils new tire options for electric vehicles
In addition to its line of EV tires, the company also released the Goodyear ElectricDrive all-season tire. In addition to this, Goodyear has added two new sizes to its ElectricDrive GT.
Electric vehicle drivers will have more tire choices, as Goodyear ElectricDrive can install 44 percent of all electric vehicles in the United States. The new tires are available in 215/50R17 95V XL and 215/55R17 94V SL and come with a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty.
This means the new all-season tires are suitable for those driving EV sedans or crossovers such as:
Goodyear’s ElectricDrive all-season tires are specifically designed to support the heavy front loads of electric vehicles because of their batteries; EV tires can also handle wet and dry conditions with an asymmetrical tread design for superior grip.
Michiel Kramer, Goodyear’s Director of Consumer Products Marketing, is excited about the new options for EV owners, saying:
Goodyear remains focused on delivering innovative products and technologies for the electric vehicle segment and giving drivers the quality, performance and enhanced tread they expect from our brands.
You can now also find ElectricDrive GT EV tires in the following sizes:
- 55/45R19 104W XL
- 235/45R18 98W XL,
- 235/40R19 96W XL
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT electric vehicle tires have a 40,000-cycle limited warranty on the tread life. Electric vehicle drivers can find their Goodyear tire options on their website (www.goodyear.com) or by contacting their local dealer.
Electrek’s take
Goodyear does exactly what you’d expect from a company that’s been in the automotive industry for over 120 years — adapt.
You can start to see changes in the automotive industry as companies from all corners are transforming their businesses, young and old, to support the electric vehicle revolution.
Goodyear is one of the most respected tire companies in the industry, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see competitors follow suit. As more electric vehicles hit the road, they need more tires, and Goodyear proved it’s ready to do anything as the auto industry transforms.
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