Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and rubber, announced that it has been chosen by the California-based electric vehicle maker Fisker as the exclusive tyre partner for the much-anticipated Ocean all-electric SUV.
Prototype testing of the vehicle will start during Q4 2021.
The Fisker Ocean will make its global debut at the upcoming 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, with production starting on November 17, 2022.
The company will supply custom-developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres for Fisker Ocean sold in Europe and select models sold in North America, which will feature extensive use of recycled materials, including a fully vegan interior and an optional photovoltaic solar roof.
According to the company, the bespoke tyres deliver a better driving experience focused on ride comfort, handling and stability, as they are engineered for low rolling resistance, which conserves the Fisker Ocean's battery energy.
Developed based on its ENLITEN technology, the tyre will have up to 30% reduced rolling resistance weight reduced by up to 20%. The tyremaker said that this equates to up to two kgs fewer raw material resources required to produce every tyre – an environmental benefit from both resources and final end-of-life stage management standpoint.
Bridgestone will also supply custom-designed Alenza Sport all-season tyres for Fisker Ocean models sold in North America. The Alenza Sport tyres are engineered with a next-generation compound that provides enhanced dry braking, wet handling and improved rolling resistance to help drivers unlock the Fisker Ocean's full performance capabilities.
The Fisker Ocean's custom-made tyres will benefit from Bridgestone's ground-breaking virtual tyre development technology, which enables the accurate prediction of a tyre's performance without producing and physically driving it for the first part of the development process. As a result, it cuts raw material consumption and CO2 emissions by about 60% and reduces product development time and speed to market by up to 50%.