Nokian's 'world-first' A-rated winter tire for ELVs
14 Dec 2014
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Nokia, Finland – Nokian Tyres has developed a new tire which in tests had reduced rolling resistance of electric vehicles by up to 30 percent compared to other products on the market.
Designed especially for the BMW i3 and being introduced to the market in January 2015, the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tire is said to achieve an A class rating in the EU tire label scheme.
The tire – size is155/70R19 84Q – is also claimed to allow “safe, economical, and high-performance driving on snow and ice in demanding Nordic winter weather.”
The low rolling resistance is achieved by a technology that makes the tire body firm and stiff, plus new material components to reduce heat generation and internal deformation.
“In the future, we will be using the same technology in our other winter products,” said ,” said Nokian Tyres’ product development manager Jarno Ahvenlammi, who leads the testing and development of special products for electric vehicles.
Nokian Tyres said it is using some “entirely new” types of rubber compounds in the tire, including its Intelligent eSilica tread compound in which the molecular chains of connect with the silica particles to form strong but flexible links.
“The rubber compound works very well across a wide temperature range, improving winter grip and further reducing rolling resistance, the company said. “The sipes or grooves of the symmetrical tread pattern function actively regardless of the changes in grip level and temperature.
“The compound creates exceptional grip on ice, snow, and wet roads, and excellent wear resistance. The canola oil used in the rubber compound adds tear strength to the new [tire], increasing its durability, and improves grip on snow and ice.”
Other features include safety innovations that improve handling, such as the grip particles and pump sipes of the Cryo Crystal concept, ensure balanced handling and excellent winter grip, even on wet ice.
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is suitable for BMW's i3 electric vehicles. It will be available to consumers in January 2015 in the Nokian Tyres key markets, the Nordic countries and Russia as well as in other markets wherever true winter is experienced. The non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 (size 215/45R20 95R XL), designed for BMW's new i8 hybrid vehicle, will be introduced in February–March 2015.
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