LAS VEGAS—Michelin's unveiled what it claims is the mining industry's first energy efficient tire.
During MINExpo 24 in Las Vegas, the Greenville, S.C.-based tire maker rolled out its Michelin XDR 4 Speed Energy, a tire that leans on a new rubber compound and a tire tread with greater flexibility to achieve its energy efficiency aims. And it does so, Michelin said, through reduced rolling resistance.
As mining tires carry load across various terrains—hard or soft—the tire deforms and flexes and, as it does, it generates heat that results in energy loss, requiring the vehicle to exude more energy to move forward.
The new tire's rubber compound "enable(s) the tire to run cooler and results in more energy being directed toward propelling the truck," according to Lisa Hickey, Michelin's sustainability lead for mining.
Mining trucks fitted with Michelin XDR 4 Speed Energy tires will see a reduced rolling resistance, better fuel efficiency and fewer CO2 emissions, all of which result in cost savings, Michelin said. The new tire reportedly achieves 3.6 percent better fuel efficiency when compared to the Michelin XDR 250 C tire, saving as much as 5,300 gallons of fuel or about $24,000 per truck annually.
Michelin XDR 4 Speed Energy will be available commercially beginning next year.
Renaud Durand, Michelin Mining technical director, noted that the tire embodies Michelin's mission to lead the industry on sustainability without sacrificing its reputation for quality.
"Michelin has been an innovation leader for 135 years. We push the boundaries of technology and design to ensure that our solutions lead the market," Durand said in a statement. "The Michelin XDR 4 Speed Energy tire delivers improvements in rolling resistance without compromising key performances like safety and productivity. … Our ambition is to grow our leadership in energy efficiency by delivering benchmark solutions for the mining industry across our portfolio."
