Michelin Updates Regional and Long-Haul Tire Options

March 2, 2021

Michelin North America Inc. is adding two new fuel-efficient truck tires to its lineup: the X Multi Energy Z2 tire for regional and super-regional applications, and the X Line Energy T2 tire for the long-haul and truckload market.

The Michelin X Line Energy T2 tire, which Michelin is calling its most fuel-efficient dual trailer tire to date, will be available to order on April 1.

“Michelin is constantly innovating to provide fleets with fuel-efficient tire solutions for both long haul and regional applications,” says Adam Murphy, vice president of B2B marketing for Michelin North America. “We strive to balance driver safety and satisfaction while decreasing operating costs. These new Michelin Energy products deliver improved tread wear, mileage performance and traction for increased driver confidence and comfort to deliver their loads safely and on time during this challenging time in the trucking industry.”

X Multi Energy Z2

The Michelin X Multi Energy Z2 tire is designed for less-than-truckload and multiple-stop delivery fleets that run 300-500 miles per day. This includes dry van, less-than-truckload, food and beverage and pickup and delivery fleets that require a long-lasting tire that performs well in medium scrub environments as well as on the highway.

This directional steer tire is designed to improve resistance to irregular wear for more miles. It is SmartWay-compliant and Green House Gas 2 (GHG2) approved into 2027. Available for fleets in the United States and Canada, Michelin says the tire's "regenion tread sculpture" enhances rolling resistance, mileage performance and water evacuation.

Internal testing shows the tire has better wet braking capabilities when worn than its competitors. It is engineered with a dual compound tread, and the tire is available in two tire sizes: 11R22.5 LRG and 295/75R22.5 LRH.

X Line Energy T2

The X Line Energy T2, meets SmartWay requirements (the verification is pending, Michelin says) and is targeted for the dry van truckload and less-than-truckload, refrigerated, tanker and flatbed fleet segments.

The product is designed for improved wear, fuel savings, retreadability and traction. The tread incorporates micro-sipes on all rib edges and a broad, optimized contact patch; and Michelin says both features contribute to better wear. Internal wet braking tests showed the X Line Energy T2 tire has better wet stopping traction when new and worn (buffed to 6/32nds) compared to competing tires.

The dual-compound tread consists of a mileage top layer that controls tread stiffness and stress to reduce irregular wear and a fuel-efficient bottom layer that minimizes internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance. Curb guards and upper sidewall ribs help fight sidewall damage providing excellent retreadability.

“Trailer tires generally suffer from irregular wear and are often subject to poor air pressure maintenance,” says Murphy. “This forgotten tire/wheel position is susceptible to variable loads. The new X Line Energy T2 has been designed to address these concerns.”

The X Line Energy T2 will be available in four sizes: 295/75R22.5 LRG 11R22.5 LRG, 285/75R24.5 LRG and 11R24.5LRH.