Yokohama Rubber has announced the commencement of production for its new Advan Sport EV ultra-high-performance summer tire, specifically designed for premium electric vehicles. The manufacturing of the tire will take place at the Shinshiro-Minami plant, where it will utilize electric power generated through a proprietary solar panel system and renewable electricity sourced for the facility.
The Advan Sport EV tire range, which was unveiled in July 2023, is based on the existing Advan Sport V107 tire designed for high-performance cars. However, this new tire model incorporates several enhancements, including a lower rolling resistance compound and Silentfoam technology to reduce road noise. It will be available in 16 different sizes, catering to various electric vehicle models.
The new solar panel power generation system at the Shinshiro-Minami plant boasts an output of approximately 1.1MW and is projected to generate around 1,469MWh of electricity per year. This renewable energy initiative will result in a reduction of approximately 599 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Additionally, the plant will procure electricity from Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co, which has been certified as 100% renewable and emits zero CO2, further contributing to a potential reduction of 570 tons of CO2 emissions.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, the Shinshiro-Minami plant also utilizes natural gas as a boiler fuel. Yokohama Rubber aims to achieve carbon neutrality at this manufacturing facility by 2030.
Yokohama Rubber’s sustainability initiatives, under the overarching concept of “Caring for the Future,” reflect the company’s determination to combat climate change. Building on the lessons learned from other sites, Yokohama Rubber plans to expand these initiatives as it strives to achieve its long-term goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Sources:
– Yokohama Rubber unveils new Advan Sport EV tyre for premium EVs – Tire Technology International Magazine