BMW Group and Pirelli have teamed up to develop a groundbreaking winter tyre that promises to extend the range of all-electric vehicles by up to 50 kilometers. The result of this collaboration is the new Pirelli 20-inch P-Zero Winter 2 winter tyre, specifically designed for the all-electric BMW i7.
The key innovation in these tyres lies in their ability to compensate for the higher rolling resistance typically associated with winter tyres, which is due to their rubber compound and tread pattern. Rolling resistance directly impacts a vehicle’s range, making it a crucial factor for electric cars.
The new tyre addresses the common drawbacks of winter tyres, offering the BMW i7 significantly greater range compared to conventional winter tyres. This achievement is attributed to Pirelli’s advancements in tread pattern and compound technology.
Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Development Driving Pleasure at the BMW Group, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This collaboration between BMW and Pirelli represents a significant milestone in tire technology regarding range capabilities for winter tyres. We are proud to partner with Pirelli to offer our customers an exceptional driving experience that combines the known high level of snow and wet performance with a significant positive impact for our all-electric vehicles during winter times.”
The new tyre is scheduled for release in August 2024 and will initially be available for the BMW i7. Both BMW and Pirelli have plans to introduce this tyre technology in other future BMW models, with the new BMW X3 slated to receive it in the second half of 2024.
