AKRON—Goodyear is launching its first electric-vehicle (EV) replacement tire in North America, the ElectricDrive GT.
The all-season, ultra-high-performance tire is designed to offer long-lasting treadwear and a quiet ride for the drivers and passengers in EVs, demand for which is growing exponentially.
Owners of those vehicles currently don't have many options for replacement tires, said Andrew Lau, product marketing manager.
The new tire features Goodyear's SoundComfort Technology, which acts as a built-in sound barrier that helps reduce road noise, a must-have for EVs that don't generate competing noise from the engine and other components, Lau said.
The tire has an asymmetric tread pattern and a tread compound engineered to improve traction and handling in wet and dry conditions, Goodyear said.
The tire launches in a single size, 255/45R19 104W XL, but Goodyear said it plans to expand that portfolio in 2022.
The tire has an "Electric Drive Ready" symbol on the sidewall, Lau said. When you see that, "the consumer can feel confident that Goodyear has designed the tire to meet their electrification needs."
The new tire fits with Goodyear's long-term goals toward sustainability and safety, he said.
"Goodyear's positioned for success through our commitment to advance energy efficiency, safety, tire longevity, comfort and convenience," Lau said.
Tires designed for EVs last longer, so they need to be replaced less, which means using less energy overall, he said.
Goodyear also is working to advance tire performance, he said. "We're constantly looking at new compounds, new products on the roadmap, listening to our customers, developing new technologies to improve overall performance."
It will be available through goodyear.com.
"It's our first replacement but it won't be our last," Lau said.
The EV market is going to take off, he said, likening the field to a roller coaster just ramping up.
"We're really at the start of this journey," he said.
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