When shopping for tires, we consider cost, weather performance, and longevity.
Maybe not so much… ## How Does Rolling Resistance Impact Fuel Economy and EV Range?
If you’ve shopped for tires recently, you may have usedan app to find inexpensive ones.
While shopping for price is easy, many people don’t research rolling resistance.
You don’t need to understand the complexphysics of rolling resistanceto see how it can save you money.
Rolling resistance is the force that works against keeping your tires moving.
Image Credit:Tesla
Besides the luxury of a quiet ride, why is this important for the environment?
Michelin’s Acoustic Technology Tires
Noise is bad for people too.
As tires roll, air is trapped between the grooves of the tread and the road.
Image Credit:Tesla
When this pressurized air is released, it creates sound.
This makes these tires an environmentally friendly choice for anyone who dreads getting a flat tire.
In addition, it’s a good choice for ultra-high-performance summer tires for EVs.
Which Tires Are Made With Sustainable Manufacturing Processes?
Here are two more tires to consider that espouse green manufacturing.
Yokohama is also committed to preserving regional biodiversity with itsForever Foresttree planting project.
Goodyear aims to build tires with 100% sustainable raw materials by 2030.
One study on theWear and Tear of Tyresfound that these particles contribute to 5-10% of ocean plastics.
Besides creating microplastics, raw materials in tires contribute to unsustainable forestry.
The remainder consists of metals, fabrics, and other compounds.
Natural rubber is an organic polymer harvested from rubber trees in the form of latex.
The vast majority of natural rubber is harvested from Southeast Asia.
Thailand alone accounts for about 35% of the world’s supply.
That’s why researchers are looking for new materials for tires that cause less environmental damage.
Unfortunately, synthetic rubber isn’t a great alternative.
Synthetic rubber comes from petroleum byproducts.
Other natural materials may help us to reduce our reliance on rubber in the future.
Continental Explores Russian Dandelions
Continentalis getting ready to incorporate dandelion-derived rubber into its tires.
Local sourcing reduces the need to haul rubber around the globe, reducing CO2 emissions.
Dandelions are also important food sources for pollinators, making this a win-win proposition.
