Prometeon Participates in SmartBUS Project to Support Zero Emissions Mobility

Prometeon Tyre Group has signed a tire supply agreement with the SmartBUS project as part of its drive to support zero emissions mobility. The SmartBUS project is being developed by the Eco – Hev company, a spin-off of the Politecnico di Milano, which specializes in the development of innovative electro mobility systems for promoting sustainable mobility. Prometeon is involved in supporting the project which involves the installation of an innovative fast charging system comprising a charging station located at the end of the urban line. This energy storage system is currently being tested on a bus that circulates through the city of La Spezia, and uses an Ultracapacitor system developed by Eco – Hev in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. As an outcome of using the technology, there is no need for installation of batteries on board the vehicle, thus significantly reducing the charging times from 8 hours to 5 minutes.

Prometeon on its part has undertaken to provide Pirelli MC: 01 tires, in the 275/70 R 22.5 size for the project as outlined in the signed agreement. This tire is designed specifically for City Bus, and confirms to the efficiency requirements of the SmartBUS system. The tire has other technical characteristics like lower rolling resistance which make it an attractive option as it reduces energy consumption and ensures a high level of silence, thanks to the tread compound used and its specific design.

It is expected that the testing phase of the SmartBUS project will be completed in November 2018, and results of the test will be made public.

Commenting on the company’s participation in the project, Gregorio Borgo, Chief Operating Officer of Prometeon Tyre Group said that Prometeon has always supported those who invest in innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, and contributed its own technologies, tires and experience to aid these projects. He reiterated the company’s commitment to creating a model of sustainable business growth which is attentive to the environment and the markets in which it operates.

“We are very happy with the collaboration with Prometeon for the SmartBUS project, which is going to make the most efficient Zero Emission and Fast Charging electric buses available on the market today. The new intelligent bus concept, implemented by SmartBUS, is therefore the most suitable to meet the new needs of Mobility and Territory, which provide an increasingly optimized exploitation of energy resources, more comfort for the passenger, a lightening of the bus weight, lowering of recharging costs, depot stop time costs, disposal of batteries costs and, above all, higher safety”, said Paolo Bernardini, President of Eco-Hev.