Brussels – Bridgestone Corp has been announced as the sole supplier of tires to the sporty new BMW i3s, the company said 28 May.
The Japanese tire maker is already supplying its ologic electric tires to BMW i3 and the new fitment is part of the continuation of the partnership between the two companies.
According to Bridgestone, the new tires respond to “some specific changes” made to the i3s.
The vehicle has a sportier appearance with a broader rear track and more expansive rear wheel wells.
The new design includes a larger tire diameter – 20mm wider than those on the i3 – that reduces rolling resistance and improves energy efficiency.
The tire maker said the new tires provide “adequate traction to maximise the increased power and torque.”
The company will be supplying the tires in summer and winter variations, as well as a range of front and rear tires to ensure a customised approach.
Bridgestone’s ‘ologic’ technology is an in-house tire designed specifically for electric vehicles.
According to Christophe de Valroger, VP of original equipment at Bridgestone EMEA, ologic technology helps EVs optimise performance “without any trade-off in terms of safety”.
“We use a narrow Ecopia EP500 tread pattern that ensures excellent grip, even in wet weather conditions,” he explained.
The tire has been awarded EU label B-grade in rolling resistance and wet grip.
The new design includes a larger tire diameter that reduces rolling resistance and improves energy efficiency.
