Bridgestone Americas has announced the expansion of its fuel-efficient truck tire portfolio with the addition of the new R284 Ecopia tire.
Bridgestone has designed this new SmartWay verified steer tire for higher fuel economy and improved treadwear. The tire has been developed for better performance in long-haul and regional service. It contains an innovative tread compound for long wear life. Bridgestone’s patented NanoPro-Tech polymer technology has been used in the R284 Ecopia tire for a five percent improvement in rolling resistance when compared to the Ecopia R283A steer tire.
It is known that gravitational forces create drag between the tire and the pavement when tires are in operation. This phenomenon is responsible for creating rolling resistance—the energy a vehicle sends to the tires to maintain movement at a consistent speed—which consequently leads to energy or fuel loss. Tires developed for low resistance are especially helpful in increasing the overall fuel economy of a vehicle. They can additionally be more fuel efficient than conventional options.
“Bridgestone launched the R284 Ecopia tire to provide our customers with enhanced solutions to maximize fuel efficiency and lower the total cost of tire ownership,” says Kyle Chen, Brand Manager, Truck and Bus Radial Tires, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). “The R284 Ecopia tire will help make mobility more efficient by continuing to drive savings for fleets without compromising on quality or performance.”
Bridgestone has added several design innovations to the R284 Ecopia tire for improved performance. It features an IntelliShape sidewall engineered with a slim bead to decrease tire weight and minimize rolling resistance. The tire also contains the proprietary Fuel Saver Sidewall compound which works with the NanoPro-Tech polymer technology, contributing to better fuel economy and lower energy loss.
The new tire’s other features are specifically provided for better wear life. To maximize tread volume, it has an optimized tread depth and width. Defense Side Grooves present in the tread pattern contribute towards minimizing shoulder wear for long original life. To absorb irregular wear and enhance removal mileage, Equalizer Ribs have been incorporated within the tread.
In a release by the company, Bridgestone suggests that fleets that wish to capitalize further on the fuel efficiency benefits of its Ecopia tires may use fuel-efficient retreads to help extend the life of their tire casings. It further adds that Bandag FuelTech retreads, which are engineered to work together and complement Bridgestone Ecopia tire casings, are a reliable and sustainable business solution that can help in cutting down fuel costs.
