More than just a global racing series, the FIM MotoE World Cup also serves as a testing ground for sustainable energy solutions. As the sole electric motorcycle supplier for the series, Energica Motors has reaped the benefits of this development process, with its range delivering improved performance and economy figures over recent years.
Of course, Ducati will take the reigns of MotoE in 2023, but the all-electric racing series promotes more than the development of electric motorcycles: it also allows the study of sustainable tire manufacturing. Ahead of the 2021 MotoE season, Michelin reported that its front tire was made from 33% renewable materials while the rear tire was 40%.
The French manufacturer, however, was not satisfied with its progress for the 2022 season. With the start of the first round of the 2022 MotoE season at the Jerez circuit this weekend, Michelin has just announced tires of even more durable running. The company still builds the front tire from 33% renewable energy, but the rear tire is now produced with 46% sustainable sources.
“Although ambitious, this objective nonetheless remains realistic for Michelin. MotoE tires are a new illustration of this,” declared Cyrille Roget, director of technical and scientific communications at Michelin. “It is mainly by integrating more natural rubber and recycled carbon black into the tires that we have been able to progress. »
In addition to natural rubber and recycled end-of-life tires, Michelin also incorporates materials such as orange/lemon peel, pine resin, sunflower oil and scrap steel into its rubber. race. Combined with the 33% front tire, Michelin's new 46% recyclable rear tire allows the company to achieve its goal of producing tire sets from 40% sustainable materials. The company hopes to roll this out across its entire lineup by 2030, and the MotoE tires are a big step in the right direction. But Michelin is not only aiming for 2030.
“With MotoE tires we also prove that we are capable of doing what we say,” added Cyrille Roget. “At Michelin, respect for facts is at the heart of our values. This is what sets us apart and gives us another good reason to believe that we will meet the challenge of 100% sustainable tires by 2050.”
