Michelin, the world's leading tyre company, has recently launched MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV, the first MICHELIN Pilot Sport-family tyre designed specifically for electric sports cars. The launch anticipates the growing trend for electric vehicles in Thailand and matches Michelin's global commitment to sustainable mobility.
Nantiya Pitakwongdeengam, B2C Commercial Director Thailand revealed: "With more than 10 million electric cars on the world's roads in 2020, following a decade of rapid growth; electric vehicles undoubtedly set a course for 2030. We want the future to start today, for Michelin and for all consumers who are already embracing the electrification trend. We proudly introduce the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV, a tyre benefiting from Michelin's 6-year experience in Formula E that unlocks the full potential of electric sports cars, while offering sheer driving pleasure and safety."
Key benefits and advantages of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV include:
- Optimal grip on dry and wet roads3,4 - irrespective of the tyre's level of wear5 - taking into account the higher weight and weight-distribution characteristics associated with electric sports cars.
- Outstanding resistance to wear6 in response to the high torque and acceleration forces typical of such cars.
- The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV's very low rolling resistance extends range by up to 60 kilometres, enabling drivers to enjoy the potential of their electric sports car to the fullest7.
- Twenty percent less perceptible road noise - thanks to MICHELIN AcousticTM technology, which takes the form of a custom-developed polyurethane foam that reduces cabin noise for even greater enjoyment behind the wheel of electric vehicles1.
The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV is the result of the unique experience Michelin has acquired in Formula E
A founding partner of Formula E, Michelin proposed a specific solution for the championship's all-electric single-seaters that is similar in its concept to a road tyre. The Michelin Formula E tyre is effectively capable of racing whatever the weather conditions, while its size - 19 inches - is consistent with current road-car norms.
The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV benefits directly from the progress Michelin has achieved over six seasons in Formula E and incorporates ElectricGrip CompoundTM technology which features a hard compound for the centre of the tread to provide the grip required to cope with the high torque characteristics of electric sports cars. Meanwhile, the sidewalls of the latest addition to the MICHELIN Pilot Sport family carry over the same pattern and velvet-finish markings of Michelin's Formula E tyre.
An eco-responsible, CO 2-neutral tyre at the point of sale2
In order to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the life of its tyre and address the demands of electric sports car owners, Michelin has pledged to neutralize the CO2 emissions associated with the tyre's production and transport to its point of sale. This process includes the financing of projects aimed at offsetting and absorbing the residual CO2 emissions associated with tyre production through the Livelihoods carbon fund until the day comes when it will be possible to eliminate them entyrely.
Michelin is currently the only manufacturer that is active in the original-equipment and replacement electric sports car tyre market. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV will be rolled out in the course of 2021 in a choice of 16 sizes (original equipment: 11 sizes / replacement market: 5 sizes) for 18- to 22-inch rims.
Twenty-inch MICHELIN Pilot Sport EVs have been type-approved for the new Tesla Model Y which is already marketed in China. As well, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV will be a global tyre and will be available on vehicles in Europe and North America later in 2021.
By 2024, Michelin plans to increase its sales in this high-growth market by a factor of eight.
In Thailand, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV is available for pre-order at 'TYREPLUS' and Michelin's authorized dealers across the nation in 7 sizes, from 19- to 22-inch diameter. For more information, please visit www.michelin.co.th or call MICHELIN Hotline at 02 700 3993.