Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) announced that its Bridgestone-brand Ecopia EP150 tires will be original equipment on the 2014 Chevy Spark Electric Vehicle (EV).
Bridgestone says the Ecopia EP150 tires were designed for the Spark EV fitment and play an important role in helping GM achieve the vehicle's aggressive mileage targets.
Equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Chevy Spark EV can take drivers an estimated 82 miles on a single charge, with a 119 combined miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe), according to Bridgestone.
“We are delighted that GM turned to Bridgestone for this EV fitment. Our engineers in Japan spent two years designing the Ecopia EP150 tires exclusively for the Spark EV," says Mike Martini, president, original equipment, U.S. and Canada consumer tire sales division, BATO.
"The result is a unique tire that delivers competitive low rolling resistance, while still offering consumers the ride, handling and wear performance they expect from their tires today.”
The standard equipment on the 2014 Chevy Spark EV will be:
* Ecopia EP150 tires in size 185/55R15 82T on the front; and
* Ecopia EP150 tires in size 195/55R15 85T on the rear.
The Chevy Spark EV enters the U.S. market as one of the quickest electric vehicles, delivering an output of 140 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The Spark EV was launched in the U.S. in June of this year, and is currently being sold in California and Oregon. It is also being sold in Europe and South Korea.
Bridgestone is manufacturing the Ecopia EP150 at its plant in Hikone, Japan.
