Michelin sees a future in which its tires might be more expensive but last much longer and be much less impactful on the environment. For a company built around a wearable item with a finite service life, that’s an unexpected tack. 

“Our goal is not just to sell more tires; we want to sell better tires—in multiple ways,” summed the company’s North American CEO Alexis Garcin at a recent sustainability summit the company hosted in Sonoma, California. 

Michelin Uptis airless tire on French postal van

There, executives confirmed to Green Car Reports that the company is pushing ahead on airless tire technology that may be smarter for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles. It also provided an update on how it’s working to effectively reinvent retread technology with sustainability in mind, allowing the original tire plus four retreads to provide up to a million miles of service in heavy commercial trucks. 

“If you start to think in a way that you want to limit your innovation because of the (cost) premium, it could mean we are losing a lot of opportunities,” explained Garcin as to why Michelin keeps investing in long-game technologies. 

Michelin moving toward fossil-free materials

In the meantime, Michelin’s short game for this decade includes getting more sustainable and renewable materials into its tires, and making them last longer while saving energy for EVs. Michelin has targeted 40% renewable and recyclable materials across all its tires by 2030, on the way to 100% fossil-free by 2050.

At Sonoma Raceway, it also provided an on-the-road look at part of that future with mass-market tire technology that will likely go into production in 2025. 

Michelin 45% sustainable tire. – 2024 prototype

The Primacy A/S demonstration tire offers at least 42% sustainable content—45% in the version shown. That’s more than double what such tires offer today, in a product that Michelin attests, performs as well or better than today’s offerings. It’s made with recycled steel, recycled carbon black from end-of-life tires, with silica from pulverized rice husks, as well as some natural resins and oils—including from orange peel for higher efficiency. 

Natural rubber is nearly a fifth of the composition of modern passenger-vehicle tires, and Michelin is making efforts to extract it from sustainable crops like guayule in the American Southwest. 

Other tire makers have shown concepts with much higher levels of sustainable content, but what makes the Primacy A/S demo tire different is that it’s production-ready.

Michelin Primacy all-season tires with 42% sustainable content – on Ford Explorer

Michelin Primacy all-season tires with 42% sustainable content – on Ford Explorer

Michelin Primacy all-season tires with 42% sustainable content – on Ford Explorer

Michelin showcased the tire mounted on a new Ford Explorer. On Sonoma Raceway, in noise, grip, and overall performance, it felt like these tires could be interchangeable with the stock Michelin Primacy all-seasons. 

The green tire was showcased along with several EVs that include original-equipment Michelin installations, including the Porsche Taycan and Genesis GV60, underscoring that Michelin sees the sustainability factor as especially important in EVs.

Michelin taking custom approach in optimizing for EV range

The performance and durability of tires comes down to three core aspects: the structure of the tire and its core design, the tread, and the compound. With EVs, more rolling resistance can mean more energy lost not only when accelerating and cruising, but also during regenerative braking, so it can have a great effect on the efficiency of EVs overall. 

Cyrille Roget, the company’s director of scientific and technical communications, underscored to Green Car Reports, it’s a matter of mapping out the usage needs and then optimizing for the lowest level of rolling resistance. It takes a lot of simulation tools to provide a match for the car, then rounds of final testing with the car. 

In the era of EVs with very different weight distribution and power delivery, to go along with their additional weight, that may mean more customized tires. 

Michelin tires on Genesis GV60

Michelin tires on Porsche Taycan

EVs, hybrids, and PHEVs: Same tire advancements needed

“It does not change so much, the way we consider the market and the way we design tires,” said Garcin, when Green Car Reports asked what’s different about the tire demands for hybrids. “You still have the same effect of this incredibly high torque and the increased weight of the vehicle, so that we just leverage the same technologies to accompany these trends, whether it’s fully electric or hybrid.”

Regarding the compound, there are more than 200 ingredients in typical tires, and carbon black is one of the most important for establishing durability and strength with low rolling resistance. 

Michelin has created a consortium called BlackCycle in which it is looking at developing a value chain locally in Europe around secondary raw materials—especially carbon black—to be used in new tires, rather than see the tires shipped across the world. 

Pyrolysis process used to extract recyclable material from Continental tires

Restarting the loop with carbon black

That led to an evaluation of the global supply chain for carbon black and whether the companies could get more out of pyrolysis, which is the process of heating them without oxygen to recover compounds. It results in recovered carbon black plus three different types of oil, and a process has only recently been devised to create “virgin” carbon black—now termed sustainable carbon black—from the middle oil.

“So there is virgin carbon black from petrol; there is recovery of carbon black from pyrolysis; and now you have sustainable carbon black coming from the pyrolysis oil,” Roget summed. Even the lighter oil can be used to create resins used in the tires. 

That’s important because the tire maker knows it will not be able to replace all of the needs for carbon black with only the recovered carbon black, Roget explained. The sustainable carbon black effectively closes the loop and ends the need for petroleum input for tires. 

Carbon black via pyrolysis is already “very virtuous” energy-wise in an industrial operation, versus creating the original product, according to Roget, and it has the potential to be a lot cheaper. During pyrolysis, gas is captured, which can in turn be used to help heat the pyrolysis oven. 

Michelin is hoping that more companies will help invest in a pyrolysis industrial base. It’s working with Bridgestone on this because as Roget says if they together present the specification they want for recovered carbon black, it will represent a big part of the industry. 

Goodyear ElectricDrive GT tires for Tesla Model 3

Goodyear has also said it’s on board with recycled carbon black. It’s using Monolith’s carbon black from pyrolysis in a replacement tire for the Tesla Model 3.

Garcin described the collaboration with Bridgestone as “part of the bigger plan, as we have to really move towards 100% renewable and recycled materials in all of our tires.”

Sustainable tires require better recycling beyond reuse for tires

Around 90% of tires worldwide are recycled, while some markets within Africa still need to get onboard with the idea. Michelin and Bridgestone are currently organizing pilots on how to create a system for it in those markets. 

“You have to obtain a material that has the same quality as the fossil material that you’re trying to replace. So that’s the first challenge,” said Roget. 

For instance, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used as a reinforcement in passenger-car tires, and PET recovered directly from plastic bottles can replace that from fossil sources. The challenge for big potential users like Michelin is how you organize the collection of all the plastic bottles to buy as a consistent feedstock in the future.

It has to be cost-effective to recover and reuse materials, too. Synthetic rubber, or butadiene rubber, is “very cheap today,” said Roget, because it’s often made as a side product of gasoline production. Although the company is working on ways to produce it from agricultural waste, the cost is a barrier. 

According to information from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, synthetic polymers make up about 24% of the material in passenger vehicle and light truck tires.

Tire ingredients. – U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association

Emissions from tire wear

Finally, the elephant in the room is that tires emit their tread material as they wear, often in the form of particulate matter, some of which becomes airborne.

A 2023 study from Imperial College London suggested that, including what ends up in the ground and waterways, 52% of all global particle emissions from vehicles in 2021 came from tires and brakes, not exhaust, while globally 6.6 million tons of tire-wear particles are emitted annually. As the U.K. firm Emissions Analytics started pointing out in 2020, EV weight gains can result in colossally greater tire emissions. 

How tire particulate emissions enter the environment (from Imperial College London 2023 report)

Michelin’s Roget is aware of this issue, and he says that a white paper on the matter is forthcoming. Michelin has improved on that metric by 11% from 2010 to 2020, he says. Continuing that progress while seeking better materials will in turn deliver more performance with less weight—both initially and lost to tread wear. 

In a 2022 study from Europe’s largest automobile association, the ADAC, researchers found Michelin to be the lowest in the weight of tread compound lost per distance driven—the metric that directly corresponds with particulates left in the environment. 

ADAC test of tire wear in weight per distance

All these examples underscore that sustainability isn’t open-ended. It’s a loop, and all of the points around that loop need to be well thought-out. With tires as the example, where the materials come from, where they end up, how they fail, the energy put into making them, and the energy savings they enable in use, are all considerations.

As the vehicles we drive transform to be part of a renewable loop, there’s no reason not to think the tires we roll on should transform too, even if that involves using fewer tires.

—
Michelin paid for meals and travel expenses relating to the demonstration of its tire technology and executive access.

Mitsubishi to launch nine electrified vehicles by end of 2028

This new lineup will include two models in “segments in which the company does not currently compete,” according to Mitsubishi, with a powertrain mix of “advanced-technology internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electrics.”

The announcement appears to be a long-awaited North American response to Mitsubishi’s global product plan released in March 2023. That included plans for an expanded “xEV” lineup encompassing hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs, and saw 50% of its product mix electrified by 2030.

Mitsubishi to launch nine electrified vehicles by end of 2028

According to reports, Mitsubishi and parent brand Nissan might share an electrified pickup that would get both plug-in hybrid and EV variants (an electric pickup was also mentioned in the global product plan last March). Nissan and Mitsubishi compact vehicles are also expected to share the same updated platforms across multiple models.

While it previously sold the tiny i-MiEV electric car in the U.S., Mitsubishi’s only plug-in model at present is the Outlander PHEV, which shows the brand’s best with a hybrid system still superior to many others on the market. Launched for the 2023 model year, this second-generation Outlander PHEV boasts an EPA-rated 38 miles of electric range.

The Model 3 Performance just got a big refresh, after the Model 3’s overall “Highland” refresh.

The refresh includes more horsepower (up to 510hp now, and 0-60 of 2.9 seconds), some exterior changes, and lots of other underlying changes to make the car better at performance applications.

And it also included a very attractive price – one which was actually cheaper than the lower-spec Long Range Model 3 after taking tax credits into account, since the Performance qualifies for the US EV tax credit and the Long Range model doe snot.

As a result it immediately garnered rave reviews both from online observers who note its impressive specs and value proposition compared to competing vehicles, and from the few car reviewers who Tesla deigned to allow to review the vehicle ahead of its release.

But perhaps those reviews were too good, and Tesla decided they could command a higher price for these vehicles. As a result, just 3 days after release, Tesla hiked the price of the Model 3 Performance by $1,000. At the same time, it reduced the price of some paint and interior options as well.

Now, we’re having a little déjà vu as almost the exact same thing has happened again.

Today, Tesla hiked the price of the Model 3 Performance by another $1,000, up to $54,490, just $10 less than the $55k limit to access the EV tax credit.

Again, just as last time and perhaps to compensate, Tesla lowered the price of some other options. Now, the “Black and White Interior” is included in the base price of the vehicle, instead of being a $1,000 option as it was yesterday. So if you were going to get the black & white interior, the car will cost the same as it did yesterday, but the standard black interior now costs $1,000 more.

The Model 3 Performance is still slightly cheaper than the Long Range model, assuming you qualify for the $7,500 US EV tax credit. If you do, the base price of the Performance model is $47,490, whereas the base price of the Long Range model is $47,740 – $250 more. The Performance model comes with more performance, but the Long Range model does have a longer range, at 341 miles rather than the 296 miles of the Performance model with its stickier tires, bigger motors and so on.

However, since the tax credit is attainable even on non-qualifying cars via a lease, the lease rates for the RWD ($299/mo) and Long Range AWD ($439/mo) are still significantly cheaper than the Performance AWD model ($616/mo) – and that last number, for the Performance model, is $50 more per month than it was yesterday.

Finally, Tesla also changed some pricing for other Model 3 options, increasing the cost of the “Black and White” interior to $2k, from the $1,500 price it was previously, for both the RWD and Long Range models.

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“This solar electric vehicle charger is a part of the college’s efforts to make our [transportation systems] more sustainable”, said Marcus Welker, assistant director of sustainability at Dartmouth College [via Vermont Biz].

Solaflect Energy, based in Norwich, Vermont, designs and manufactures the Solar EV Charger. The four Level 2 charging points are powered by a 6.2-kilowatt solar array mounted on a dual-axis tracker that generates 40% more power than comparable fixed panel arrays.

The system’s 6-ton concrete foundation sits directly on parking lot lines, so it doesn’t take up any parking spaces and provides enough ground clearance for unimpeded traffic flow. Designed for climate resilience, it sheds snow quickly, stows flat in high winds, and sits high enough to avoid flooding.

Solar EV Charger operates even when the grid is down, and its transportable nature allows it to adapt as EV charging needs evolve. Here’s Dartmouth’s Solar EV Charger in action:

The off-grid solar tracker EV charger is quicker and less expensive to install than traditional grid-connected stations and avoids costly utility demand charges since there’s no need for infrastructure. Solaflect’s chargers scale easily, with one charger for every four EVs or plug-in hybrids. The company asserts that over its expected 25-year life, the system locks in 1 million miles of EV charging with minimal operating and maintenance costs.

Solaflect’s Solar EV charger is available for annual lease with no additional service costs or for purchase with a 30% federal investment tax credit. Its first installations will take place in New England, followed by a US-wide expansion.  

What do you think of Solaflect’s Solar EV Charger? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: In a milestone, the US exceeds 5 million solar installations

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Kia has already confirmed it will launch an electric truck in the US. During its investor day in 2022, Kia revealed plans to launch two electric pickup trucks: one dedicated EV pickup and the other a strategic model for emerging markets.

The electric trucks are part of Kia’s plan to launch two EVs a year and build a complete lineup by 2027.

Kia confirmed in the US, where mid-size SUVs and pickups are popular, “electric versions of these models will be produced locally from 2024.”

After launching its EV9 late last year, the larger electric SUV is already off to a hot start. With a record 1,572 EV9s sold in April, the electric SUV pushed Kia to a new monthly EV sales record, up 144% YOY.

Kia is offering a $7,500 Customer Cash credit, which can amount to $12,400 in savings until US production begins. Meanwhile, Kia is expected to start building the EV9 at its West Point, GA facility this month.

Kia is testing a mysterious electric pickup in the US

Is a new Kia electric pickup set to follow? For the first time, Kia’s EV pickup was spotted testing in the US.

The video from KindelAuto shows a larger-looking pickup with a bold face, similar to the Ford F-150 Lightning. You can clearly see design features pulled from the rugged, big-body EV9.

On the back end, you can see the test model is fitted with lights similar to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. These will likely be updated in the production version.

It will likely include several new Kia design elements, like its new signature “Digital Tiger Face” grille, replacing its old “Tiger Nose” design.

Kia’s new EV will join a growing US electric pickup market with the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevy Silverado EV.

Although Kia has yet to confirm specs, it’s expected to ride on Hyundai’s next-gen EV platform, which is expected to boost range (the EV9 gets up to 304 miles EPA-est range) while slashing costs (the EV9 starts at $54,900).

If you can’t wait for Kia’s electric pickup, Kia is offering massive savings of up to $12,400 on select EV9 models. You can use our link to view deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 at a dealer near you.

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Honda doubles its investment in EVs to $65 billion

CEO Toshihiro Mibe laid out the automaker’s new strategy Thursday, claiming Honda has not “changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution.”

Honda believes it can compete in the small electric vehicle and motorbike segment. In the long term, Honda is confident that EV adoption will continue to rise. The company wants to take advantage of the “period of EV popularization,” which will happen in the second half of the 2020s.

To do so, Honda will introduce new EVs, establish a comprehensive supply chain (including batteries), and advance EV technology and facilities.

Through its new strategy, Honda aims for a 5% return on sales for its EV business in 2030, aiming to make it self-sustaining.

Honda’s new 0 series is expected to play a key role. Two new concepts, the Saloon and Space-Hub, were unveiled at CES in January.

The Saloon is set to become Honda’s new flagship EV with a model very similar to the concept launching in 2026. It will launch in North America first ahead of its global rollout.

Following the Saloon, Honda plans to launch seven EV models globally, from small to large. In China, Honda will introduce ten new EVs by 2027, representing 100% of auto sales in the region by 2035. It also unveiled its new “Ye Series” EVs to take on Chinese automakers like BYD.

Honda will launch a series of smaller EVs, starting with the N-Van e, a commercial mini EV. After it goes on sale in Japan this fall, Honda will introduce a series of small-size EVs in the region where needed. This will include personal mini-EV models in 2025.

Building an EV supply chain for the future

Regarding its supply chain, Honda will start by strengthening its partnerships for lithium-ion batteries while holding costs down. Starting in mid-2020, Honda will begin producing batteries with its JV partners.

In the US, Honda’s JV plant with LG Energy Solution will begin production with up to 40 GWh battery capacity annually. The lightweight and compact battery packs will be used for its 0 series EVs.

In the second half of the decade, Honda plans to further expand its battery business by building a vertically-integrated supply chain.

To do so, Honda will begin in-house production with GS Yuasa for EV batteries. Honda also plans to secure battery materials in Canada, like cathode materials from POSCO Future M and separators from Kasei at new JV plants.

By 2030, Honda aims to reduce the cost of EV batteries built in North America by over 20% compared to current costs. Honda already has enough secured to produce around 2 million EVs planned in 2030.

Honda aims for EVs and FCEVs to account for 40% of global auto sales in 2030 and 100% by 2040.

Electrek’s Take

Despite the recent “EV slowdown” the media continues to report, several automakers are increasing their investments now as they look toward the future.

Honda is the latest, joining Toyota, which has made a series of investments in new EVs, including a large electric SUV for the US and next-gen battery tech.

Although Japanese automakers have been laggards in the industry’s transition to EVs so far, with Ford, GM, VW, and others pulling back, could they turn things around? That’s what Honda (and Toyota) hope for with new investments in EVs.

Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota’s EV sales share is currently well under that of their rivals. While Toyota’s EV sales share is around 1%, many automakers are already achieving double-digit or 100% EV sales.

Will the new investments be enough? Drop us a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

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