Michelin introduces energy-saving technology to truck tyres
ERJ staff report (DS)
Hannover, Germany - Michelin launched its energy-saving truck tyre today at the IAA fair in Hannover. The new tyre is called the Michelin X Energy SaverGreen.
Michelin said some of the improvement is due to a new carcass design involving lighter, thinner components; more torsionally-flexible steelcord in the carcass and new compounds. Michelin described the development as an “energy-flex heat-stable casingâ€.This is set to become the new standard for Michelin's truck tyres, in the same way that other developments in the Michelin Durable Technologies lineup have been introduced across the range in recent years.
Andre Colom, technical director for truck tyres in
Europe said the company made great strides in tread compounds in its
previous generations of truck tyres. For the new product, Michelin
focussed on making the carcass and the other areas deliver better fuel
economy.
He said specifically that the tread in the new tyre still relies on natural rubber.
Colom
said the savings were made by making the carcass more elastic. This was
done through the use of some new compounds, but also through the use of
a new approach to the twist of the wires used to make the steelcord
bundles in the radial carcass construction.
He said this was one
of many developments which all contributed to improving the rolling
resistance of the tyre. Others included new compounds in the bead
filler area; the use of the 'Infinicoil' band around the periphery of
the tyre and other developments.
In a press release, Michelin said, “The new Michelin X Energy SaverGreen tyre offers trucking companies a tour de force of performance, saving 500 litres of fuel per truck per year while continuing to deliver superior tread life.
The company continues, “The Michelin X Energy™ SaverGreen features the Energy Flex heat-stable casing, the latest member of the Michelin Durable Technologies family, a package of breakthrough truck tyre innovations that can be combined in a single tyre or selected individually depending on customer needs and expectations. In this case, Energy™ Flex technology is capable of driving a measurable reduction in fuel consumption throughout the life of the tyre. “
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Press release from Michelin
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