PEUGEOT & MICHELIN

"The electric vehicle is changing several paradigms in terms of tyres. It increases the tyre’s level of demand on multiple criteria in a simultaneous fashion, which represents a challenge for our engineers. In fact, making theoretically contradictory characteristics advance together is in the DNA of Michelin, which ceaselessly pushes the boundary of its tyre performances. For more than 10 years we have been working on understanding the specific features of electric vehicles with regard to tyres. The biggest change comes from the weight, which is always heavier, as these are battery-powered vehicles. The same dimension of tyre must sometimes carry a few dozen (mild-hybrid technology) to several hundred additional kilograms on electric (BEV) models. Furthermore, the fact that the electric motors deliver their maximum torque as of start up adds extra stress, to which the effects of regenerative braking are added. This increase in traction and braking stress, combined with the increase in weight is likely to speed up wear. We have taken these elements into consideration in our development process, and this is what has allowed us to supply our partner with specific tyres. You could say that the tyres for the new Peugeot 3008 meet all these criteria and have truly been made for it!"