BKT tyres suitable for use on an electric vehicle can now be recognised by the e-ready logo. The first tyre to carry the new label is the new Agrimaxfactor 70 tractor series, although it will be extended to all products in this category in the future.
It is not just a case of stamping the new label onto a tyre. The Indian tyre manufacturer says that trials and field tests have shown that electrically powered vehicles have significantly more tyre wear than diesel powered ones. A different design is needed to ensure an optimal life cycle.
For example, the batteries can increase the weight of an electric vehicle by up to 30%. This calls for a more robust structure, including reinforced belts and casing, and a different sidewall and bead design.
Electric vehicles are not just heavier. The electric motor provides more thrust to the mechanical transmission, and thus to the wheels, than a diesel-powered vehicle. This results in greater acceleration and rubber that needs the ability to withstand the higher torque. The company stresses that it is absolutely necessary to revisit bead structure to ensure better grip on the rim, especially during acceleration, and the first e-ready tyre has improved tread pattern for smoother road travel.
Inadequate tyres can cause significant energy losses, since rolling resistance can contribute as much as 20% of the vehicle’s energy consumption. In order to adjust the rolling resistance of an electric vehicle tyre, the tread compound, tread pattern, and sidewall structure must all be adapted.
Noise levels were also considered when developing the first e-ready tyre. Ways to reduce this include a different tread pattern and the use of both natural and synthetic compound compositions.
