[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Tire company Bridgestone announced on the 5th that it has successfully commercialized its tire lightweight technology 'ENLITEN' by equipping it for the first time on Volkswagen's pure electric vehicle ID.3. ENLITEN is an eco-friendly technology that significantly reduces tire rolling resistance while simultaneously reducing the raw materials required for tire production.
Volkswagen, in developing its first pure electric vehicle ID.3, sought tires that deliver excellent performance on both wet and normal road surfaces, have superior braking power, long lifespan, and extremely low rolling resistance. Tire rolling resistance greatly affects the fuel efficiency of pure electric vehicles, i.e., battery power consumption, directly impacting driving range.
Accordingly, Bridgestone developed Turanza tires for electric vehicles using ENLITEN technology. Above all, this tire technology is suitable for pure electric vehicles developed with sustainability and eco-friendliness as top priorities.
Tires made using ENLITEN technology have up to approximately 30% lower rolling resistance compared to conventional premium summer tires. This is effective in reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles equipped with combustion engines. Compared to regular premium summer tires, they are also 20% lighter. This means a reduction of up to 2 kg in raw materials required to produce one tire.
The performance as a tire is also excellent. Thanks to the unique material technology and blending technology used in ENLITEN, the tire compound's wear resistance is enhanced without compromising tire grip. Additionally, Bridgestone explains that applying bubbles and 3D pattern design maximizes performance on wet surfaces and wear resistance.
Bridgestone and Volkswagen have maintained a long-term collaboration. From the early development stages, Bridgestone used 'virtual tire development' technology to find the optimal tire structure for the ID.3. This shortened the time required for each stage of tire development and reduced environmental impact from the development phase.
The Turanza Eco tires come in three sizes: 18, 19, and 20 inches. The 19- and 20-inch Turanza Eco tires are equipped with Bridgestone’s 'B-Seal' technology. When a hole occurs in the tire tread, the sealant inside the tire blocks the hole to temporarily maintain air pressure, allowing the vehicle to drive a certain distance at a certain speed.
Karsten Skepsdadt, Volkswagen’s Head of Chassis Development, said, "By significantly lowering rolling resistance with ENLITEN technology, the ID.3 has gained considerable leeway in battery power management," adding, "This technology will greatly contribute to changing market perceptions of electric vehicles and e-mobility."
Mark Trethedo, Vice President of OE Tires at Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa, emphasized, "Volkswagen’s pure electric ID series shows what e-mobility can achieve in the future," and added, "We take great pride in being able to implement the performance and eco-friendliness of Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology in real life for the first time through Volkswagen’s new pure electric vehicle ID.3."
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