GT Radial, a leading tyre manufacturer, has announced its new dual approach strategy for electric vehicles (EVs), which is being hailed as a game changer. The company has introduced 16 EV-suitable tyres within its popular SportActive 2 and FE2 ranges, with three initial sizes being launched.
Stefan Fischer, Managing Director – Product Technology at Giti Tire Europe, expressed his excitement about the new strategy: “We are very excited to reveal and proud to be able to offer to our customers, and to the market in general, a dual electric vehicle approach to fulfil the special requirements of EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
“Dual is the key word here, because after a six-year research and development programme we have an in-depth portfolio of high-performing tyres for electric vehicles, through the GT Radial SportActive 2 EV and EV Ready platforms, as well as for the more traditional ICE replacement market.
Fischer emphasised the importance of designing tyres specifically for different vehicle segments, rather than offering a generic option that may or may not be suitable.
The GT Radial SportActive 2 EV is initially available in three sizes: 235/45R18 (Y), 235/55R19 (V), and 255/45R20 (H). The 19″ and 20″ options have achieved AAA label ratings.
These tyres were designed and engineered at Giti Tire’s European Research & Development Centre in Hannover, Germany, utilising the company’s extensive original equipment (OE) experience. The SportActive 2 EV features a brand-new ULRR compound, which reduces rolling resistance by up to 15% compared to standard UHP tyres.
Specifically tailored for heavy and powerful EVs, including popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6, safety remains a top priority. The manufacturer has achieved A ratings for wet grip without compromising other performance areas.
The tyre’s construction has been redesigned, resulting in a 4% weight reduction while maintaining excellent control, wet and dry grip, long-lasting mileage, and an enjoyable driving experience.
Additional sizes will be introduced in 2024 to cover a wider range of EV cars and SUVs, including the VW ID.3, Cupra Born, VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV, and Audi Q4 e-tron, among others.
Furthermore, GT Radial has identified 16 sizes across the SportActive 2 and FE2 portfolios as EV Ready, which means they are fully compatible with internal combustion engine (ICE), mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV) drivetrain vehicles. These sizes will be clearly marked with an EV Ready sidewall logo.
The European Research & Development Centre played a leading role in this project, resulting in A-grade wet grip, low rolling resistance (B and C ratings), and consistent mileage across all sizes. Further expansion of the EV Ready sizes will be announced in 2024.
Fischer further explained, “The EV Ready tyres show our long-term planning. These tyres were launched last year, but we ultimately knew that our EV strategy would come to market in 2023 so they were already designed for use across all drivetrains. The EV Ready badge is now added to highlight its versatility.”
He praised the European Research & Development Centre team for incorporating their OE knowledge into the new GT Radial SportActive2 EV and EV Ready tyres. The impressive results achieved by these tyres are considered a game changer for both customers and tyre dealers.
The country manager for Giti Tire added, “The GT Radial brand development continues to open up a whole new world of profitable avenues for dealers who will be able to offer a fantastic tyre solution for every driver’s needs. Our EV strategy completes the jigsaw.”
“To deliver an A grade in wet grip across every single tyre, without compromising on all other performance characteristics, and to achieve two AAA results, which marks the first time in the history of the GT Radial brand, is an amazing achievement and one that has to be applauded.
“The GT Radial portfolio continues to go from strength to strength and will continue to do so as more and more sizes of the current portfolios and all-new products come to the COUNTRY market.”
To view our range of GT Radial tyres, click here. Alternatively, to view our range of EV tyres, click here.