Michelin Drives Innovation in Tyres for Electric Trucks

From its pioneering role in the 1899 electric land-speed record, to its current leadership in sustainable tire technologies, Michelin continues to push boundaries. The keynote sessions and workshops at their Michelin Asia Pacific Media Day 2025 showcase Michelin’s transformation into a composite solutions powerhouse, with applications spanning mobility, healthcare, aerospace, and low-carbon energy.

Cyrille Roget, Michelin’s Technical and Scientific Communication Director, presented the Group’s latest advancements in sustainable tire design, emphasizing the importance of life cycle assessment, bio-sourced materials, and rolling resistance optimization. He highlighted that over 80 percent of a tire’s environmental footprint occurs during usage, underscoring the need for holistic design and responsible manufacturing.

Special attention is now given to the rising need for partners in the transportation ecosystem to provide solutions that meet the requirements of new energy vehicles (NEV) As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to reshape the transport landscape, Michelin is advancing tyre technology to meet the distinct demands of electric mobility — from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Electric vehicles pose unique challenges for tyres. Their heavier weight, due to large battery packs, demands greater load-carrying capacity. High torque puts additional strain on tyres, while the quest for longer driving range calls for tyres with ultra-low rolling resistance. Moreover, because EVs operate almost silently, reducing road noise has become a new priority.

Michelin’s approach is comprehensive: all of its current tyres are compatible with EVs, designed to deliver longevity, energy efficiency, and comfort. The company collaborates closely with leading EV manufacturers across Asia and beyond, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and European brands, to optimise performance from the ground up.

A standout case study highlights Michelin’s partnership with Volvo in Korea, where electric Volvo trucks fitted with locally produced Michelin tyres successfully complete long-distance hauls from Busan to Seoul; a feat made possible by Michelin’s advanced tyre engineering.

Michelin’s tyres not only enhance EV efficiency but also deliver tangible economic benefits. In Asia, fleet operators using Michelin truck tyres report fuel savings of 4–6%, effectively offsetting the tyre cost. With fuel representing up to 45 percent of a fleet’s total operating expenses, these savings are substantial.

Data-driven validation remains central to Michelin’s value proposition. Through real-world testing and partnerships with transport companies, such as the recent demonstrations at A-TRAC near Bangkok, Michelin shows that its tyres outperform competitors not only in efficiency and durability but also in safety and handling.

In essence, Michelin’s innovation philosophy remains rooted in sustainability and total cost of ownership. By creating tyres that last longer, roll farther, and consume less energy, Michelin is ensuring that the shift toward electric trucks is both practical and profitable for transport operators worldwide.