HIRATSUKA, Japan—Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) has begun marking tires built for electric vehicles with a proprietary "E+" mark on the sidewall to distinguish them from other tires in the same line.
The new mark, being used on passenger and trucks/bus tires that have design and performance qualities needed by EVs, is the latest facet of Yokohama Rubber's response to the rising demand such tires. The first tire to bear the E+ mark is the new Advan Sport EV, an ultra-high performance summer tire being launched this fall in Europe and other markets.
Yokohama's understanding of EVs comprises battery-electric vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles.
Tires installed on such vehicles must be able to meet the distinct needs of EVs, such as the strength to withstand the higher loads associated with heavy electric batteries as well as the electric motor's high torque output.
Such tires also must generate less noise and contribute to the vehicle's efficient use of electricity and other energy sources and expand the vehicle's driving range.