Michelin launching ‘eco-responsible' performance tire for sporty EVs

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin has developed an "eco-responsible, CO2-neutral tire" tire, the Pilot Sport EV, designed to address the specific demands made by higher-torque electric-powered sports cars.

Launching April 1 throughout the U.S. and Canada in 16 sizes covering 18- to 22-inch rim diameters, the Pilot Sport EV offers "outstanding" treadwear, low rolling resistance and reduced road noise alongside "optimal" grip in both dry and wet conditions, Michelin claims.

The Pilot Sport EV's design incorporates technology developed for the company's involvement since 2012 with Formula E racing, Michelin said, including "ElectricGrip" compound technology, which features a harder compound for the center of the tread to provide the grip required to handle the high torque characteristics of electric sports cars.

The tire's sidewalls mimic the pattern and velvet-finish markings of Michelin's Formula E tire.

The Pilot Sport EV already is being sold in China and will be available OE on vehicles scheduled for release in Europe and North America from the third quarter of 2021. It is specified for use on a number of sporty EVs, Michelin said, but the tire maker declined at this time to identify them.

Michelin plans to increase its sales in this high-growth market by a factor of eight by 2024.

The tire maker also has pledged to neutralize the CO2 emissions associated with the tire's production and transport to its point of sale as part of its effort to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the life of its tires and address the demands of electric sports car owners.

This process includes the financing of projects aimed at offsetting and absorbing the residual CO2 emissions associated with tire production through the Livelihoods carbon fund a French non-profit that invests in large-scale projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America to empower smallholder farmers and rural communities, restore ecosystems and contribute to climate action—until the day comes when it will be possible to eliminate them entirely.