Prometeon has introduced the U02 URBAN-e M, a tire designed for electric and hybrid city buses. It addresses the demands of heavier vehicles, high instant torque and frequent stop-and-go driving, combining load capacity, energy efficiency, durability and low noise.
What are the key benefits of the U02 URBAN-e M?
The U02 URBAN-e M supports loads of up to 8.1 tonnes per axle. Compared with the previous MC:01 series, it reduces rolling resistance by 10% and carries a B energy-efficiency rating. Lower rolling resistance can help a bus use energy more efficiently and travel farther on a single charge, while also contributing to lower CO₂ emissions.
The tire is designed for the operating conditions of urban buses, where heavy vehicle loads and repeated acceleration and braking place particular demands on tires. Its reinforced construction supports durability, while its tread design aims to maintain traction and even wear over the tire’s service life.
How does it perform in different weather conditions?
A specially designed central tread channel and high-density sipes help the U02 URBAN-e M deliver grip and traction in changing weather. The tire carries M+S and 3PMSF markings, indicating suitability for demanding winter conditions. It also has a B rating for wet flu.
For electric buses, which deliver torque rapidly, the central tread design helps the tire handle demanding power transfer. Its optimized tread profile promotes more even wear, while reinforced sidewalls provide added resistance to curb contact and impacts during city driving.
How quiet and energy-efficient is the tire?
In size 275/70 R22.5, the U02 URBAN-e M has an external noise level of 69 dB and an A rating for external noise—the highest level in that category on the European tire label. Its energy-efficiency rating is B. Together, the low noise rating and rolling-resistance improvements are intended to support quieter, more efficient urban bus operations.
How does Prometeon support longer tire life and fleet management?
The tire uses a reinforced casing and durable construction designed to extend its service life. Its retreadable and regroovable design allows fleets to extend the tire’s use through additional service cycles. Stone ejectors help protect the tire and support its retreadability.
Built-in RFID technology gives each tire a digital identity. Fleet operators can use this to track tires, monitor maintenance and mileage across multiple service lives, and improve stock management.
What is PROGEA technology?
The U02 URBAN-e M features Prometeon’s PROGEA, or Pro Grip Environment Approach, tread compound. The compound is designed to slow wear and resist cuts and tearing while supporting wet-road grip. Prometeon also says the tire’s optimized weight and compound are intended to reduce resource use and environmental impact.
Prometeon’s view on electric bus tire requirements
Prometeon Turkey Marketing Manager Tuğba Başaran said the expansion of electric and hybrid buses is changing tire requirements, particularly in areas such as vehicle weight, energy and efficiency operating costs. She highlighted the U02 URBAN-e M’s 10% reduction in rolling resistance compared with the previous series and its load capacity of up to 8.1 tons per axle, alongside its durability, low noise and all-weather driving features.
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