Bridgestone on the charge with EV tyre message for motorists

Bridgestone is educating motorists on the benefits of electric vehicle tyre technology, after a survey revealed that only 8% know the differences between them and standard tyres - and the money-saving benefits they offer.

Of 2,000 motorists questioned in Bridgestone’s YouGov commissioned research, 47% said they will be switching to an EV to save on high fuel costs, with 56% sold by the environmental benefits of driving an electric car.

 But the tyre giant is concerned that a lack of understanding between the differences of EV tyres and standard products (8%) could undermine any savings with more pit stops for tyre replacements.

The number of EV car owners on UK roads stands at 477,000[1], but only a small percentage of them know the importance of fitting custom-made EV tyres to the wheels, according to the research.

EVs are much heavier than conventional cars and the added weight is ultimately carried by the tyres. Without adaptation to compensate, non-EV tyres are much more likely to wear quicker and won’t last as long.

Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti said: “What’s clear from our survey is that very few motorists are aware that there are tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles and even fewer know the benefits of them.

“While 47% want to change to save on fuel, many of them run the risk of eating into these savings by making more trips to the garage replace their tyres over a longer term.”

Bridgestone’s Enliten technology is utilised in EV tyres which not only uses less raw materials, but also contributes to the reduced rolling resistance. Enliten helps also to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in combustion vehicles, while also extending battery life and vehicle range in electric vehicles.

Andrea added: “All tyres might be black and round, but there are huge differences that very few motorists are aware of, particularly when it comes to EVs. Bridgestone is developing a growing number of original tyre fitments specifically engineered for this purpose.”

EV tyres currently represent 11% of Bridgestone EMIA’s total original equipment (OE) line-up for passenger cars – rising from just 4% in 2019. This figure is expected to reach over 20% in 2024[1]

Bridgestone’s YouGov survey also revealed that motorists welcome more advances in technology in the future, including the future arrival of airless tyres, which 19% would like to see brought to the marketplace in order to remove the risk of puncture-related breakdowns. 

Bridgestone are pioneers in air free tyre technology, with an AirFree concept product featuring tyre tread being placed on a unique structure of high-strength, flexible spokes. It does not need to be filled and maintained with air, essentially eliminating the inconvenience, downtime and safety concerns associated with a flat tyre.

Twenty-two per-cent would also like all cars to be zero emission by 2030, rather than the Government’s existing deadline of 2035, in another show of support for the adoption of EVs.

As a leader in mobility solutions, Bridgestone is already tackling some of the issues raised by developing its tyre technology to ensure that EVs can travel further between charges, whilst prolonging battery life. The company has also committed to install up to 3,500 new charging points across Europe over the next five years, with big plans for the UK set to be announced shortly.

Bridgestone’s YouGov survey and EV tyre solutions also aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment that serves as the axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations.

The Bridgestone E8 Commitment consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter ‘E’ (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, and Empowerment) that Bridgestone will commit to creating together with employees, society, partners and customers to realize a sustainable society.

This project aligns with: ‘Energy’: Committed to the realization of a carbon neutral mobility society’, ‘Ecology’: Committed to advancing sustainable tyre technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations” and ‘Efficiency’: Committed to maximizing productivity through the advancement of mobility”. 

 [1] Source: bridgestone-emia.com: EV Tyres Set to Represent Over Fifth of Bridgestone EMIA’s Original Equipment Line-Up by 2024

[1] Source: DfT, SMMT

Media information: For more information about this press release, or if you have any more questions, please call Ben Smallman at Ben Smallman PR on 07833 463195 or email ben@bensmallmanpr.com

About Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa:

Bridgestone in Europe, Russia, Middle East, India and Africa (BSEMIA), headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation. In addition to its premium tyre products, BSEMIA offers a growing portfolio of tyre-centric and mobility solutions, and serves its customers in an extensive retail network with thousands of touchpoints.

Together with its partners and guided by its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, Bridgestone is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future of mobility and improving how people move, live, work and play.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMIA, please visit www.bridgestone-emia.com and www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.