Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has introduced a specialized tire, the Urban Max BSAEV (Bus Service All-Position), designed specifically for use in electric buses and transit fleets. This tire was developed in collaboration with GILLIG, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty buses in the United States. Goodyear’s latest creation is engineered with a focus on minimizing rolling resistance, this tire aims to enhance the range of electric vehicles while effectively managing the increased load capacity these buses carry.
Tom Lippello, senior director of commercial marketing for Goodyear North America, affirms that the creation of this groundbreaking product for GILLIG's battery electric bus is a testament to the enduring partnership between two companies committed to fostering intelligent and sustainable innovation within the transportation sector. Lippello added, “Our partnership with GILLIG leveraged the talent and expertise of both companies to develop an incredibly tough tire that could drive the next generation of battery electric buses. Goodyear is proud to bring the North American transit industry the first 10,200-pound load-carrying capacity bus tire to support the increased battery weight required for battery electric fleets.”
The Urban Max BSAEV tire is currently offered in the size 315/80R22.5. This tire provides a notable load capacity of 4,627 kilograms and is readily available as a fitting choice for specific GILLIG Battery Electric buses.
In addition, the Urban Max BSAEV incorporates several notable features. It sports a new tread design that retains excellent traction certified by the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating it meets certain U.S. Tire Manufacturer Association (USTMA) requirements for severe snow conditions. Furthermore, it incorporates an enhanced four-belt package to effectively handle the additional weight requirements. The tire also integrates a low-rolling resistance compound, optimizing energy efficiency. Notably, it complies with GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Phase 2 regulations passed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for metro buses, aligning with sustainable practices in the transportation industry.
