MILAN, Italy, Aug. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pirelli has obtained over 500 homologations for its Elect tyres since their launch in 2019. These tyres include a package of technologies that enhance the specific characteristics of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. This milestone confirms the company's leadership in the EV segment, with seven out of 10 premium and prestige car manufacturers choosing Pirelli tyres developed for BEVs and PHEVs1.
"Electric cars are very different from traditional internal combustion vehicles, so require specific tyres. The number of homologations obtained from major manufacturers confirms the validity of the path we have chosen to follow, which is to offer technology that can be adapted to vehicles, tyres, and seasons," said Piero Misani, Chief Technical Officer of Pirelli. "The most modern development tools, such as virtualization and artificial intelligence, allow us to design products that are increasingly in line with the technical and performance requirements of EVs."
There are several advantages for drivers who use Pirelli Elect tyres, starting with battery range. Thanks to their low rolling resistance, these tyres can provide up to 50 kilometres of extra range2, resulting in savings of up to 150 euros per year on charging costs3. In addition, Pirelli Elect tyres benefit from increased grip, thanks to innovative compounds, to manage the high torque of electric motors, as well as reinforced structures to cope with the weight of EVs. These two elements contribute to reducing tyre wear by up to 20%4. Elect technology also offers superior acoustic comfort of up to 20%5 inside the car, enhancing the feeling of silence that comes from not having an internal combustion engine.
Pirelli Elect technology, which made its debut with the first-generation P Zero for the Porsche Taycan, is now integrated into an increasing number of Pirelli's main product families. The P Zero family most frequently chosen by premium and prestige car manufacturers for their sportier models combines high performance with the comfort and efficiency required by BEVs and PHEVs. It comes in the greatest number of sizes with this technology (over 30%) and is followed by the Scorpion range, dedicated to SUVs, as well as the Cinturato range, dedicated to sedans and CUVs. Pirelli Elect is also available in an increasing percentage of winter tyres (22%) and all-season (17%) tyres, bringing noise reduction and rolling resistance benefits even with heavily treaded tyres that offer greater versatility and safety at lower temperatures.