Sumitomo Rubber develops simulation technique to develop next-gen EV tires

Automotive company Sumitomo Rubber has developed a new simulation technique called Tire Aerodynamic Simulation, which is used in the process of tire development to visualize the airflow around the tire of a running vehicle

This simulation will help to develop a tire shape that optimizes aerodynamic performance and contributes to lowering the electricity consumption in a next-generation EV tire to be launched in 2027. In EVs, which cause almost no energy loss due to heat, around 34% to 37% of the energy loss is attributed to the tires, if rolling resistance is included with air resistance. 

Also, the company claims to have developed a new simulation technique that changes the shapes of the lettering and fine texture on the sidewall while they are rotating with the pattern. In comparison with the results of a wind tunnel experiment, which was conducted with an actual vehicle to confirm the accuracy of the simulation, the EV tire with a decreased airflow trend behind the tire and less unevenness on the sidewall showed lower air resistance values than a standard tire. 

Sidewall aerodynamic simulation that can accommodate the lettering and fine texture on the sidewall

“Adopting this technique yields improved tire performance with maximized aerodynamic characteristics, leading to reduced aerodynamic drag and electricity consumption for an EV,” the company stated.

Source: Sumitomo Rubber

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