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Bridgestone launches new tire in Ecopia fuel-efficient line-up

Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) launched the latest tire in its fuel-efficient Ecopia tire line, the Ecopia EP422 Plus tire. The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire is engineered with a combination of light and strong materials for greater fuel efficiency, giving consumers an extra 20 miles per tank. The range projection is based on rolling resistance in lab testing comparing Ecopia EP422 Plus (215/60R16) to Firestone FR710 (215/60R16) when new, with the extra 20 miles based on 400 miles per tank. Actual results may vary based on proper tire maintenance, vehicle, driving style and road conditions.

Trio

The technology behind the tire improves rolling resistance by controlling the interaction between polymer, filler materials and other rubber chemicals at the molecular level. A fuel saver sidewall compound also helps lower rolling resistance by both returning more energy back to the tire and reducing heat generation as compared to a traditional sidewall.

Ecopia tires are made using recycled ground rubber, which contributes to at least 5% of the tread compound in every Ecopia tire. Ecopia tires help channel water away from the tire through circumferential grooves, which improve resistance to hydroplaning and increase wet traction.

A recent online survey of more than 2,000 US adults, commissioned by Bridgestone and conducted by Harris Poll in March 2015 indicates that 94% of Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. This trend extends directly to their habits on the road, as 74% of drivers who own a vehicle made changes to their driving habits and performed vehicle maintenance in the past 12 months to increase their gas mileage.

The survey from Bridgestone revealed the top three ways drivers who own a vehicle save fuel: half of all Americans combine errands; 40% maintain their tires by checking air pressure and tread; 38% avoid sudden acceleration and stopping.

The fuel savings offered by the Ecopia EP422 Plus tire contribute to the company’s global goal to improve tire rolling resistance by 25 percent by 2020. The Ecopia tire line also moves Bridgestone closer to its long-term environmental vision of achieving a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by the year 2050 and beyond.

The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire from Bridgestone is backed by a 70,000 mile treadwear limited warranty. It is available in 43 sizes, ranging from 15" to 18" rim diameters, and is designed to fit many of the most popular coupes, sedans and wagons on the road today. The Ecopia EP422 Plus tire also fits select minivans.

Comments

mahonj

A tyre that gives 5% improvement in range is really something.
I wonder what gives - Traction, performance in the wet? Ride harshness?
Or is it just a 5% improvement in range with no compromises?

Dave R

How does it compare to the regular EP422 which has been out for years?

I can confirm that at least the OEM EP422 that comes on the LEAF is much better than the supposedly LRR tires I replaced them with.

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