July-August_2021 - 19

He noted the bead architecture
features a special rubber permeated
nylon wrap to extend integrity
of bead components in urban transit
operations, while sidewall wear
indicators promote timely tire rotation
for long casing life and enhanced
retreadability. Additionally,
regenerating full width grooves
appear at end of life for improved
wet traction. Full depth, interlocking
sipes with zig-zag walls provide
thousands of biting edges for
traction and lug-like performance
for even wear.
" As transport industries evolve
Local Motors
Rolling with
Electric Buses
In 2019, Michelin teamed up with
Proterra to develop the X® InCity
Energy Z tire for use on the bus
manufacturer's battery-electric
buses. Launched in 2020, the X®
InCity Energy Z joins Michelin's
X® InCity EVZ range to support
the global transit industry's move
toward electric mobility solutions.
Michelin North America B2B
Product Category Manager for Urban
& Retread Thomas Stacey explains
there are several considerations
that go into developing a tire
for use on electric buses including
prioritizing low rolling resistance
to maximize vehicle range.
" Special consideration also
needs to be made for load-carrying
capacity of the tire since electric
transit buses can be heavier
than conventional buses due to
their battery weight. In addition
to balancing the low rolling resistance
needs, the tires must
toward electric vehicles, the usage
conditions of tires will change
along with the performance criteria
that OEMs are seeking to
prioritize. By working with innovators,
such as Proterra, Michelin
can learn firsthand what
is needed to optimize the performance
of the electric transit bus
and the impact electrification has
on tire performance. Michelin
can then iterate accordingly to
produce the best tire for the application, "
said Stacey.
also deliver the mileage required
by the fleet. The electric drive
systems provide instant torque
which effects a higher wear rate
on the tire than standard [internal
combustion engine] drivetrains, "
said Stacey.
The Michelin X InCity Energy
Z tire incorporates Michelin Advanced
Technology™ tread compounds
designed to provide low
rolling resistance technology in
the tire and the maximum carrying
capacity per axle for the tire,
which comes in a 315/80R22.5 L,
is 18,740 lbs. Stacey says this is
2,640 lbs. more than a tire in size
305/70R22.5 L that would be found
on most conventional transit buses.
" The X InCity Energy Z is
well suited for urban environments
with its Infini-Coil® belt
technology which optimizes the
shape of the contact patch for
longer tread life and strengthens
the crown against shocks and impacts, "
said Stacey.
AN ELECTRIC bus
with Michelin's
X®
Z tires.
InCity Energy
Connected Fleets
Revvo believes a connected fleet
should include all elements -
like tires - and the company's
platform helps fleet managers
stay informed of their fleet's tire
health with information collected
through brand agnostic
tire-mounted sensors.
" Tire management should
be stress-free, objective and
Michelin
JULY/AUGUST 2021 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 19
http://www.MassTransitmag.com
July-August_2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July-August_2021
