Bridgestone continues to be the OEM tire maker for the BMW i3 and the new i3s model. To reflect the changes to the facelift i3 and the i3s, the company announces that a new set of tires have been developed for the electric vehicle. Widened by 40 mm, the BMW i3s features a considerably wider track that gives it both more stable performance and a more aggressive look. When combined with the facelifted i3’s more flared wheel arches, the new BMW i3s and its wider track looks squat and sporty.
Bridgestone will now deliver OEM tyres that are 20mm wider than before. Fitted to the 20-inch wheels that are standard on the BMW i3, the 195/50 R20 tires continue Bridgestone’s exclusive original equipment supply to the model. Bridgestone comments that the new dimension enhances the facelifted vehicle’s wider, sportier look while “ensuring adequate traction to maximise the increased power and torque.”
Electric vehicles demand a completely different tire concept, and Bridgestone has addressed this need with its ‘ologic’ technology, an in-house tire specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Christophe de Valroger, vice-president of Original Equipment at Bridgestone EMEA, comments that “ologic technology helps these vehicles optimise performance.” It does so, he adds, without any trade-off in terms of safety. “We use a narrow Ecopia EP500 tread pattern that ensures excellent grip, even in wet weather conditions. In fact, it has been awarded EU label B-grade in rolling resistance and wet grip.
“Bridgestone and BMW share a commitment to develop products that contribute to a sustainable future,” de Valroger continues. “Ologic technology should help us in achieving one of our long-term goals: a 50 per cent global reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. We have created a unique tyre for unique vehicles. We are proud to have them guide us into the future.”
[Source: TyrePress]
