Pirelli presents its very first high load index tire: a new type of tire dedicated primarily to electric or hybrid cars and SUVs.

The P Zero HL is designed for the new luxury electric sedan.

The tires will be produced and sold later this year in the United States.

Made to support the weight of new vehicles equipped with batteries, the tire is for heavier vehicles, such as electric cars.

It is designed to provide low rolling resistance as well as driving comfort.

The new tire features the HL (high load) marking on the sidewall as an indication of its capabilities.

It can support 20% more weight compared to a standard tire.

Plus, 6-9% more weight than an extra load XL tire of the same size.

Elect and PNCS technologies

The Lucid Air will be the very first car to use the new Pirelli HL tires.

The Pirelli P ZERO for this model will be available in the following sizes:

• HL 245/35R21 99 Y XL on the front axle
• HL 265/ 35R21 103 Y XL on the rear axle.

These bespoke P ZEROs will also benefit from Pirelli Elect and PNCS technologies.

Pirelli Elect offers:

• Low rolling resistance to increase range
• Reduced rolling noise to maximize comfort
• A compound engineered for grip to respond to the instant torque demands of the electric transmission
• A structure capable of supporting the weight of the battery pack

To further increase interior comfort, PNCS technology which consists of a special sound-absorbing material placed within the tire.

This technology helps deaden air vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted to the inside of the vehicle.

The benefits of this system can be felt both inside and outside the car.

A collaboration

The P ZERO tires for the Lucid Air have been jointly developed with the car manufacturer.

To identify the specific design for the American manufacturer, these tires will be marked ‘LM1’ on the sidewalls.

Pierangelo Misani, Pirelli’s Senior Vice President of R&D and Cyber, said: “The search for cutting-edge technical solutions has always been at the very heart of Pirelli’s business.

“The attention we devote to all new forms of sustainable mobility now leads us to technology that is capable of anticipating the future demands of car manufacturers for their new electric and hybrid vehicles.”