Goodyear Introduces a Tesla Model Y New Tire

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has just announced the launch of the new ElectricDrive GT. Marking Goodyear’s first replacement tire in North America tuned for electric vehicles - mainly Tesla Model Y - the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT is an ultra-high performance, all-season tire that delivers long-lasting tread wear and a quiet ride for EV drivers and passengers, according to the press release by Goodyear.

David Reese, vice president for Product Development, Goodyear Americas, stated that “… products that anticipate the mobility needs of consumers are central to Goodyear’s focus on innovation excellence. Electric vehicles present a very specific set of requirements for load, torque, noise, range, rolling resistance and overall performance.” He added “… we’re proud to deliver leading technologies to serve the evolving EV landscape.”

As per goodyear´s description, the ElectricDrive GT features Goodyear’s SoundComfort Technology®, which acts as a built-in sound barrier that helps reduce road noise. It is also designed with an asymmetric tread pattern and specialized tread compound that provide enhanced all-season traction, giving EV drivers confident handling in both wet and dry road conditions.

Andrew Lau, product marketing manager, said in that regard that “…with the continued growth in the EV segment, Goodyear recognized an opportunity to provide consumers with a tire designed for the unique needs of these vehicles”. Lau added that they “... know drivers are looking for a replacement tire that delivers enhanced tread wear without sacrificing performance. The ElectricDrive GT was designed with that in mind, and we’re thrilled to bring this option to market for EV drivers in the U.S.”

Goodyear stated that while it plans to expand the ElectricDrive product portfolio in 2022, the initial release of the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT is available in size 255/45R19 104W XL. This tire will be available through goodyear.com and is an ideal fit for some of the most popular EV high-performance models.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is an American multinational tire manufacturing company founded in 1898 by Frank Seiberling and based in Akron, Ohio. Goodyear manufactures tires for automobiles, commercial trucks, light trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, race cars, airplanes, farm equipment and heavy earth-moving machinery. It also makes bicycle tires, having returned from a break in production between 1976 and 2015. As of 2017, Goodyear is one of the top four tire manufacturers along with Bridgestone (Japan), Michelin (France) and Continental (Germany). The company was named after American Charles Goodyear, inventor of vulcanized rubber. The first Goodyear tires became popular because they were easily detachable and required little maintenance.

As an example, when ordering a Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor, the optional wheel spec (that costs an additional $2,000) - a 20" Tesla Model Y Induction Wheel - is as follows: size: 20X9.5" (Front & Rear); Offset: +45; PCD: 5X114.3; Center Bore: 64.1mm. Some other key specifications are weight: 31.55lbs; Lug Nut Spec: 21mm Hex, 14X1.50 Thread; Lug Nut Torque Spec: 129lb-ft; Tire Spec: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 255/40-20 XL 101W Front, Rear. It all comes at an additional $2,000, as mentioned above.

Going back to the ElectricDrive GT, and as per an article by electrek, those Model Y drivers (and beyond) that decide to use Goodyear’s new EV specific tires can expect a company-backed 40,000 mile tread life limited warranty with a W speed rating (168 mph).

For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

All images courtesy of Tesla Inc.

Nico Caballero is the VP of Finance of Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a Diploma in Electric Cars from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys doing research about Tesla and EV batteries. He can be reached at @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico covers Tesla and electric vehicle latest happenings at Torque News.