MotoE and Michelin to shape the future of electric mobility

MotoE and Michelin to shape the future of electric mobility

Michelin believes that racing and sustainable mobility are inextricably linked. The Group effectively sees motorsport as an exacting, high-tech lab for its work on new technologies and is accordingly involved in a variety of disciplines that dovetail with its Everything Sustainable plan, thereby playing a part in shaping the future of mobility.
“The technologies Michelin develops in motorsport contribute to taking sustainable mobility and respect for the environment forward, and this a prerequisite with regard to our strategy regarding our sports and sponsorship programmes”, says Michelin Motorsport Director Matthieu Bonardel. “Motorsport provides us with an opportunity to test new technologies in extremely exacting conditions and, by analysing the feedback it generates, Michelin is able to distinguish avenues of work for its research and development department. It is in this way that motorsport serves as an incubator where new ideas can mature to become innovations that are ultimately of benefit to all our customers.”

Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport

An eloquent illustration of this approach is Michelin’s involvement in MotoE which fits particularly well with the company’s strategic vision. From the outset, this all-electric motorcycle racing series, succeeded in combining exciting action with high technological value.
The motorcycle it features was designed by Energica Ego Corsa and the bespoke tyres Michelin has developed for it address the demands made by its specific technical characteristics.
Indeed, the MotoE bike is heavier than its MotoGP counterparts (260kg), while its torque curve is typical of electric vehicles, with maximum power available instantly. As a result, it has enabled Michelin to make real progress in terms of both its understanding of tyre constructions and the properties of the materials it employs.
“MotoGP’s audience sees MotoE as an exciting, innovative series,” notes Matthieu Bonardel. “The quality of the show it delivers illustrates how the notions of performance and ecology can go hand-in-hand thanks to innovation.”

Eric Granado during the MotoE Spanish GP in Jerez

Michelin’s latest innovative work in MotoE marks an even more sustainable step forward with the introduction of new tyres that incorporate natural materials, regenerated materials and/or biomaterials. It consists of tyres with a symmetrical design, available in soft for the rear and medium for the front, as well as soft rain tyres for the front and extra-soft for the rear.
In more detail, the structure of the rear tyres has evolved considerably, while the use of durable materials in the rubber compounds has enabled the balances established with the former range to be pushed even further. At each event, Michelin will provide the teams with a single type of front and rear slick tyre for the entire weekend. The allocation that each rider will have at their disposal consists of four slicks for the front and five for the rear. In the event of rain, the rider will be able to count on three front and four rear tyres.

At this link you find the technical data of the Michelin tyres for the MotoE World Cup 2020.

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