Bridgestone to supply tires for GM electric vehicle

ERJ staff report (BC)

Tokyo – Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tires will be original equipment on the 2014 Chevy Spark electric vehicle (EV).

Front and rear tire sizes are respectively 185/55R15 82T and 195/55R15 85T.

Bridgestone is manufacturing the Ecopia EP150 at its plant in Hikone, Japan.

The Spark is claimed to be one of the quickest electric vehicles, delivering 140hp and 400 lbft of torque. The range of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is estimated at 82 miles (132 km) miles on a single charge, with a 119 combined miles-per-gallon equivalent (mpge) or 2.4 l/100kme. Ecopia EP150 tires were designed exclusively for the Spark EV fitment.

Mike Martini, president for original equipment of Bridgestone’s US and Canada consumer tire sales division, said: "Driving an electric vehicle can be both fun and efficient – and the 2014 Chevy Spark demonstrates this exceptionally. We are delighted that GM turned to Bridgestone for this EV fitment. Our engineers in Japan spent two years designing the Ecopia EP150 tires exclusively for the Spark EV. The result is a unique tire that delivers exceptionally low rolling resistance, while still offering consumers the ride, handling and wear performance they expect."

The Spark EV was launched in the US in June 2013, initially in California and Oregon. Other markets will be Europe and South Korea.

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News release from Bridgestone