Goodyear is adapting to the growing electrification of the automotive market by refining its tyre technologies to address the unique requirements of electric vehicles (EVs). The tyre manufacturer has ensured that its existing models, such as the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, UltraGrip Performance 3, and Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, cater to both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Key features of these tyres, including optimised structures, advanced tread compounds, and streamlined sidewall designs, are specifically tailored to improve the performance and efficiency of EVs. To make it easier for customers to identify tyres suitable for electric vehicles, Goodyear introduced an ‘EV-Ready’ logo on the sidewall in 2023. This logo helps indicate that the tyre is designed to meet the demands of both EVs and ICE vehicles. Additionally, Goodyear uses the ‘EV-Ready’ logo in its marketing materials and selection systems to ensure customers can easily choose the right tyre, even if the logo doesn’t feature on the tyre itself.
Advanced EV-specific technologies
Electric vehicles, which convert more energy into motion than ICE vehicles, place a greater emphasis on rolling resistance for overall efficiency. Goodyear has focused on this challenge by integrating several technologies to meet the needs of EV drivers. One such innovation is Goodyear’s SoundComfort Technology, which reduces the interior noise caused by tyre-road interaction – a particular concern in the quieter cabins of electric vehicles. Goodyear states that this technology can reduce interior noise by up to 50 per cent.
The heavier weight and higher torque of EVs can also lead to faster tyre wear compared to traditional vehicles. To counteract this, Goodyear developed Mileage Plus Technology, which aims to extend tyre life and allow drivers to cover more distance with each set of tyres.
‘Electric Drive Ready’ for original equipment
Goodyear estimates that it supplies tyres for approximately 50 per cent of European-made EVs, a figure that highlights the trust original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) place in Goodyear’s technology. Although Goodyear’s tyres are not exclusively fitted to all these vehicles, their widespread use underscores the brand’s commitment to meeting the needs of EVs.
To help OEMs and drivers identify tyres specifically designed for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Goodyear has introduced the ‘Electric Drive Ready’ (EDR) designation. This label indicates that the tyre has been engineered with a customised range of technologies to meet the particular demands of a specific vehicle, including high load capacity and specialised handling performance.
“Goodyear’s product portfolio is designed to maximise performance and efficiency for all drivers. The rise of EVs has accelerated the need for tyre manufacturers to develop products that meet the evolving demands of OEMs and drivers,” says Ben Glesener, senior director of technology for consumer tyres at Goodyear EMEA.
