Michelin has launched its new range of fuel-saving tyres called Michelin X Multi Energy.
The tyres replace the X Multiway 3D and offer a distinct product choice for regional haulage operators – fuel saving priority or longevity priority. The Michelin X Multi was launched in 2017 and gives up to 20 % more mileage than the X Multiway 3D; the X Multi Energy is the complement and delivers a fuel saving of up to 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres compared to its predecessor/
Building on the excellent performance levels of the X Multiway 3D it now gives a choice dependant on the operations (time spent on motorways, number of deliveries per day, etc.) and the operators preference for tyre longevity or fuel saving.
Fuel is the second highest cost for haulage operators and industry trends are towards cleaner, ‘greener’ transport, with the EU Commission developing a road map to reduce the CO2 emissions of road transportation.
The EU has developed a tool – VECTO*, which calculates fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of trucks. From 1 January 2019 all OEMs must declare the CO2 emissions for their new trucks** sold on the European market, as calculated by the VECTO tool.
This means that regional transport operators can now make a clear choice in favour of fuel saving / CO2 reduction. For large haulage fleets and operators this is becoming increasingly important as most tender documents and contracts are demanding a low CO2 operation.
Fuel costs are high on the agenda of all professional transport companies, but surprisingly few appreciate that it is the tyres that are responsible for one third of the fuel consumption of a tractor and trailer rig.
Air resistance and internal mechanical friction are responsible for the remainder. It is this fuel saving that makes the Michelin X Multi Energy the market leading tyre for regional transport. In fact the fuel saving, as calculated using the EU VECTO tool, is 1.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres over the average of the three premium competitors, which equates to a saving of over 3000 euros over the usual life of a truck.
This industry leading performance is the result of three Michelin innovative technologies: Infinicoil, Regenion and Powercoil which feature in both the drive axle and all-round tyre fitments.
The features of the Michelin X Multi Energy tyres include: Infinicoil continuous steel wire, up to 400 metres long, wrapped around the tyre to provide greater tread stability and results in enhanced fuel savings, and increased tyre life; regenion technology (a result of intricate 3D metal printed moulds) which produces regenerating tread blocks which evolve as the tyre wears (this maintains the void ratio in the tread pattern, and consequently the water clearing capability and grip throughout the tyre’s life) and powercoil which is the new generation of more robust steel casing cables.
Totally regrooveable and retreadable, the Michelin X Multi Energy also has both the 3PMSF and M+S marking which offer a high level of grip in all weather conditions.
As a consequence of the ultra-low rolling resistance and fuel economy, the Michelin X Multi Energy is being fully adapted and homologated by all the major truck manufacturers since late 2017, and is available on the replacement market from early April 2018 in 315/70 R 22.5 in both all-round fitment and drive axle patterns.