Michelin aids Warrington’s electric transition
Michelin is playing its part in Warrington’s Own Buses’ transition to an all-electric fleet.
The public transport operator is in the process of replacing its older vehicles with 105 new zero-emission Volvo BZL Electric buses, all of which are arriving on MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres.
The X InCity EV Z is designed for electric vehicles but equally suitable for combustion engine buses. The multi-position tyres are built for safety, longevity and load capacity, while helping operators to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing rolling resistance – key to maximising range.
To handle the additional weight of electric buses, which can be heavier due to their batteries, the fitments have an increased load carrying capacity of up to 8 tonnes. In addition, the inclusion of many of Michelin’s most advanced technologies, such as InfiniCoil, Forcion and Regenion helps to ensure exceptional mileage potential. The casing is further enhanced with Powercoil – robust steel cables that aid endurance – and a bead design called Duracoil, which helps to improve stability.
The business moved to an exclusive tyre policy with Michelin’s Services & Solutions division in 2022.
“Having a partner like Michelin onboard, who we know we can rely on, offers great peace of mind” – David Woods, Finance Director at Warrington’s Own Buses
David Woods, Finance Director at Warrington’s Own Buses, says: “We currently have 56 of the 105 new electric buses on the road, with the remainder due to be in operation by the end of March. This has been a long and ambitious project that will bring huge benefits to our business and for the people of Warrington.
“Having a partner like Michelin onboard, who we know we can rely on, offers great peace of mind. We know the new vehicles are operating on the best tyres possible, that are ultra durable and stand the test of time, ensuring we keep any unnecessary downtime to a minimum.
“All of the new buses – whether it’s the single or double deck – will be operating on the Michelin EV tyres. Having one tyre across the entire fleet really makes things easier for us on an operational level.
“Michelin have been very professional and offered us a good level of service since we moved across from our old provider. It has proved to be a very good decision for our business.”
Superfit
Under the terms of the existing ‘Superfit’ policy, Michelin supply product directly to the operator. Michelin then handle fleet-wide inspections and fitting of the tyres to the wheels as part of the contract, ensuring Warrington’s Own Buses get the most from every casing in terms of safety, longevity and durability, helping maximising uptime and compliance.