MILAN—In support of its aim to further sustainable mobility, Prometeon Tyre Group S.r.l. has partnered with E-Co's SmartBus project, agreeing to supply tires for electric buses running in Italian cities.
The tires, Pirelli MC:01 in size 275/70 R 22.5, are designed especially for the SmartBus system, meeting requirements for rolling resistance and noise reduction through technical design characteristics as well as tread compound.
"Prometeon has always been at the side of those who invest in innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, contributing with its own technologies, tires and experience, " Gregorio Borgo, Prometeon's chief operating officer said in a statement. "We are committed to creating a model of sustainable business growth, which is attentive to the environment and the markets in which we operate, offering the best of our solutions."
The SmartBus project, which represents a collaboration of Politecnico di Milano in joint venture with Chariot Motors Higer, is dedicated to reducing fossil fuel and noise pollution through the integration of hybrid buses that rely on E-Co's Ultracapacitor-based energy storage system.
The project, according to Prometeon, involves the installation of a fast-charging system that has locations at the end of the urban bus line. The system eliminates the need for batteries on board the vehicle, reducing charging times from eight hours to five minutes.
The SmartBus project still is in the testing phase, which is expected to be complete in November, at which point the results will be made public.
Milan-based Prometeon is a global business comprising Pirelli's former commercial tire business. It manufactures and distributes Pirelli-branded truck, bus, agricultural and off-the-road tires, operating four factories—two in Brazil and one each in Egypt and Turkey. Prometeon has research and development centers in Milan and Santo Andre, Brazil, and employs about 7,000 worldwide.