Fisker Inc. and Bridgestone have announced a new partnership. Fisker has selected Bridgestone as the exclusive tire partner for the Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV.
According to the Bridgestone, the Fisker Ocean will make its global debut at the upcoming 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, with production starting November 17, 2022. The Fisker Ocean features the use of recycled materials, including a fully vegan interior, and will come with an optional photovoltaic solar roof. The Fisker Ocean will sit on custom-developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires for vehicles sold in Europe and select models sold in North America. The Potenza Sport tires deliver an optimal driving experience focused on ride comfort and handling stability, and are engineered for low rolling resistance, which conserves the Fisker Ocean’s battery energy by ensuring that less power is required to move the vehicle’s tires, according to the company.
The custom-engineered tire marks one of the first times the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has been combined with its sustainable Enliten technology. The company says on average, Enliten technology reduces the rolling resistance of a tire by up to 30% and its weight by up to 20%.
Bridgestone will also supply custom-designed Alenza Sport all-season tires for Fisker Ocean models sold in North America. The company says the Alenza Sport tires 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.
According to Bridgestone, its virtual tire development technology cuts raw material consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 60% and reduces product development time and speed to market by up to 50%.