Hyundai links with Michelin to develop greener EV tires

Namyang , South Korea – Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin are to collaborate on the development of “next-generation" eco-tires with significantly increased use of sustainable materials.

Under an memorandum of understanding (MoU), the partners will work together over the next three years to develop the tires optimised for premium electric vehicles (EVs), Hyundai said 21 June.

As part of the deal, the two companies will explore ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tires to about 50% of the total tire weight, from 20% currently.

A focus of the development programme will be on enhancing tire performance and durability to accommodate projected increases in vehicle weight.

The partners also plan to conduct joint research to develop a tire monitoring system to analyse tire wear, tire load and road friction in addition to the current standards of tire temperature and air pressure.

The MoU builds on the two sides’ five-year partnership signed in November 2017 which aimed to jointly develop an exclusive tire for Hyundai's Ioniq 5 EV.

"This partnership with Michelin will result in real innovations in tire technology, solidifying Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a leader in the smart mobility industry," said Bong-soo Kim VP and head of chassis development centre at Hyundai Motor Group.

"We are confident in our ability to achieve ground-breaking innovations in tire performance enhancement and create synergies in this organic collaboration," added the Hyundai executive.