This is how Michelin e.Primacy makes a difference on a 2,000 km trip with the electric Renault 5
After traveling almost 2,000 kilometers with the new electric Renault 5, it has become clear that the correct choice of tires makes a difference in maximizing efficiency and, therefore, range. The Michelin e.Primacy tires have been crucial in our journey through Spain to achieve the best consumption and superior range.
It has been a great adventure at the wheel of the new Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric. We have had the opportunity to take a trip of almost 2,000 kilometers through Spanish territory with the small utility vehicle. A route where not only extraordinary locations were discovered, but also the opportunity to review the history of the classic R5 by getting to know the most outstanding units from past generations, discover how a legend was forged with the R5 Turbo saga and even have a first contact with the first electric Renault 5 in history, the Lectric Leopard.
The chosen unit for such an important trip could only be the top-of-the-range model known as "Comfort Range". A powertrain that combines a 110 kW (150 hp) motor with a 52 kWh lithium-ion battery. It homologates a range of 410 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. A range that, as demonstrated in the test, is perfectly valid for long trips. However, there is one element that undoubtedly makes a difference and is often overlooked when driving an electric car. The tires.
How Michelin e.Primacy tires make a difference in an electric car
In total, we have traveled nearly 2,000 km through our "old bull skin" and we have used two units of the R5 E-Tech, the first to go from Barcelona to Madrid and the second to head south and back to the capital. This last one was fitted with Michelin tires that were key to maximizing efficiency and, therefore, range, covering half of the journey with them. Not only did we achieve better consumption, but the ride comfort and grip on winding roads were superior.
The tires in question are the Michelin e.Primacy. Tires compatible with all types of vehicles, regardless of the type of powertrain, developed to maximize efficiency, and in the case of our electric vehicle, to gain extra kilometers of range. This is essential when it comes to an electrified vehicle, especially in a fully electric one, although the entire range of tires from the French manufacturer is compatible with all types of technology.
Before going into detail about the stages completed and the consumption achieved, it is important to review the characteristics and main advantages of e.Primacy tires when mounted on a battery electric car. Michelin is quite clear about this, stating that they significantly reduce consumption and allow for increased range:
- It is a summer tire designed for electric, hybrid, or fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Greater battery range for electric vehicles
- Reduction of energy consumption thanks to lower rolling resistance
- Durable safety
- Excellent longevity
Barcelona, Madrid, Granada… At the wheel of the 100% electric Renault 5 E Tech
It is true that we may be tempted to equip our car with more affordable tires, but investing in a product with technology has more benefits practically from the first kilometers, and these benefits continue to increase in the medium and long term. Not all tire manufacturers invest in continuously improving their products. The role of Michelin e.Primacy tires, tested from stage 3 onwards, has been crucial in maximizing efficiency by reducing consumption and gaining extra kilometers of range.
| Stage | Trip | Distance | Type * | Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Madrid - Valladolid | 218.4 km | Highway | 17.3 kWh |
| Stage 1 | Valladolid - Madrid | 214.9 km | Highway | 18.2 kWh |
| Stage 2 | Barcelona - Zaragoza | 282.4 km | Highway | 19.5 kWh |
| Stage 2 | Zaragoza - Madrid | 327.7 km | Highway | 17.7 kWh |
| Stage 3 | Madrid - Córdoba | 217.7 km | Dual carriageway | 16.5 kWh |
| Stage 4 | Córdoba - Granada | 200 km | Dual carriageway / Highway | 15.4 kWh |
| Stage 5 | Granada - Madrid | 399.9 km | Dual carriageway | 17.6 kWh |
* Most of the journey was made on the type of road indicated
About 80 km of additional range on our route with Michelin e.Primacy
The role of Michelin e.Primacy tires has been crucial in achieving the low consumption previously mentioned, but also in improving the feeling of control and traction of the vehicle. The manufacturer has developed next-generation tires that maximize efficiency by reducing consumption and gaining extra kilometers of range.
They allow for a 7% increase in the range of the electric vehicle's battery, which translates to almost 30 additional km for an estimated range of 400 km; on our route of more than 1,000 km with these tires, it meant an increase in range of 80 kilometers.
These kilometers can be crucial in certain situations to reach the next charging point without stress. The high airtightness EnergyAirShield inner compound reduces energy loss, while the CoolRunning sidewalls absorb less energy during flexing. This way, the range of the car's battery is extended by achieving more efficient driving.
The Michelin e.Primacy tire has been designed to last. This summer tire offers efficient energy consumption thanks to its excellent rolling resistance performance with an average of -27% compared to its main competitors. Additionally, these tires also incorporate the Energy Passive compound to reduce energy loss. After having tested them on a journey of these characteristics, it is clear that tires make a difference on a trip with an electric car. And Michelin's e.Primacy has passed the test with flying colors.