Goodyear offers EV-ready tire for electric buses

The Urban Max BSA(EV) is the first Goodyear tire engineered specifically for EV transit and metro buses. (Photo: Goodyear)

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is offering the Urban Max BSA(EV) (Bus Service All-Position) tire, its newest EV-ready tire designed specially in partnership with Gillig, a U.S.-based manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses. The tire is the first Goodyear tire engineered specifically with low rolling resistance for electric transit and metro buses to help extend range and handle the increased load capacity.

The Urban Max BSA(EV) 315/80R22.5 is currently available and offers an increased load capacity of 10,200 lb. (load range L) as a fitment option on select Gillig battery-electric buses and for municipal electric vehicle fleets. The higher load capacity allows EV buses to be equipped with additional battery packs, resulting in increased range, Goodyear said.

The new tire includes a new tread design with deep siping to help maintain Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) traction, the company noted. An enhanced four-belt package enables the high load-carrying capacity, while a low-rolling resistance compound helps enhance energy efficiency, which Goodyear said aids in extending EV range.

The tire is rated for GHG Phase 2 compliance for metro buses and is available on select Gillig low-floor battery-electric models.