Bridgestone Europe to double EV tire-fitment levels by 2024

Brussels – Bridgestone Europe Middle East India & Africa (EMIA) is aiming to increase original tire fitments for electric vehicles (EVs) to 20% of its line-up for passenger cars by 2024.

In a 16 Sept statement marking the European mobility week, the company said it had tripled its OE offerings from 4% in 2019 to 11% of its portfolio in 2021. 

According to Bridgestone, 50% of “the top 10 EV manufacturers” globally selected Bridgestone fitments for their vehicles in 2021.

Furthermore, the tire maker said that 50% of “the top 10 most sold EVs” in Europe are fitted with Bridgestone tires as OE. 

To advance EV offerings, Bridgestone EMIA said it currently commits over 30% of its tire development resources to the market as EVs are expected to comprise 25% EU’s total new car sales by 2025. 

In particular, the tire maker said it will aim to further incorporate its sustainable technologies in EV tires.

These include the company’s ologic tire technology to enhance battery range and the recently introduced TECHSYN which improves wear efficiency, reduces rolling resistance and lowers raw material consumption in the long term.

The tires also incorporate B-Silent noise-reduction technology and the lightweight Enliten Technology to reduce rolling resistance by up to 30%, and weight by up to 20%.

In 2021, 6% of Bridgestone EMIA OE fitments applied Enliten Technology and the company aims to increase the figure to 10% next year.

Another key factor to address for EVs is the increased weight of the vehicle. 

To address that, Bridgestone, in partnership with car manufacturers, is developing ‘high load’ tires to carry the higher weight of powerful electric and hybrid vehicles.
 
The tire maker expects to introduces its ‘EV marking’ on tailor-made tires to indicate that the tires have undergone “a rigorous testing process, received approval from car manufacturers and support the unique features and demands of EVs.”

“To help shape a sustainable future of mobility, Bridgestone EMIA is transforming to support the adoption of EVs,” said Emilio Tiberio, COO & CTO of Bridgestone EMIA.

This, he said, is seeing Bridgestone pioneer “premium tires and tire technologies” for EVs.