SRI deploys “sensing core” load detection on Chinese commercial EV

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has deployed its proprietary “sensing core” technology on a commercial electric vehicle in China, marking both its first application in the country and the “first” global adoption of its tire load detection function.

The system has been fitted on Chongqing Ruichi Automobile Industry’s new Ruichi C5 light-duty commercial EV, launched in December 2025, said SRI 4 March.

SRI said the newly adopted function enables “real-time detection” of changes in cargo weight and load distribution, providing data to the vehicle control system.

By detecting the total load applied to left and right tires on each axle, the system allows optimisation of torque output and braking control depending on load conditions, according to the Japanese group.

This helps suppress “unstable driving feeling during starting, stopping and cornering” caused by changes in loading.

As a result, the system delivers a “smooth and stable driving feel that is less affected by changes in load conditions,” the company said.

The adoption comes amid rapid growth in e-commerce in China, driving demand for “short-distance, high-frequency” urban deliveries, alongside wider use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

SRI noted that such systems often assume fixed load conditions, which can lead to discrepancies with actual vehicle behaviour.

The tire load detection function was selected as “an effective solution” to these issues.

The technology also has an added advantage that it can be introduced “without additional sensors” or changes to existing vehicle hardware, offering cost benefits.

Sensing core analyses wheel-speed data from tire rotation together with CAN vehicle data to detect parameters including tire pressure, wear, load and road surface conditions, as well as potential wheel detachment, “without using dedicated sensors.”

SRI said the function will be expanded to other Ruichi models.

The Japanese group has positioned tire load detection as a key element of its “smart tire concept,” particularly for commercial vehicles where load conditions change frequently.