METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Proterra, Michelin develop low-rolling resistance tire for e-buses

The X InCity Energy Z tires help to reduce rolling resistance, increase load-carry capacity and leverage superior traction.

May 21, 2019
Proterra, Michelin develop low-rolling resistance tire for e-buses

 

2 min to read


Proterra announced a collaboration with Michelin to develop the MICHELIN® X® InCity Energy Z tire, a new low-rolling resistance tire designed and optimized for battery-electric buses in urban environments. The X InCity Energy Z tires help to reduce rolling resistance, increase load-carry capacity and leverage superior traction, resulting in increased vehicle range and improved performance of electric buses.

The X InCity Energy Z tire incorporates Michelin Advanced Technology™ tread compounds designed to provide industry-leading low rolling resistance technology in the tire, contributing to the maximum operational range between charges for Proterra® buses. Low-rolling resistance technology was instrumental in enabling the Proterra Catalyst® E2 max vehicle to exceed the world record for driving the longest distance ever traveled by an electric vehicle on a single charge.

Ad Loading...

In addition to enabling greater range, the X InCity Energy Z tire is designed to withstand tough urban transit conditions and has robust bead architecture to ensure durability in demanding stop/start service. The tire uses innovative 3D Matrix™ sipe technologies to provide biting edges for traction in wet and slippery conditions. With this technology, the X InCity Energy Z is optimized for all-season weather and driving conditions, and is certified 3PMSF (“three-peak mountain snowflake”) and M+S (“mud and snow”), which meets the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association snow-traction performance requirements and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada requirements for severe snow traction.

Throughout its history, Proterra has focused on developing innovative commercial electric vehicle technology, including designing and manufacturing a purpose-built electric transit bus that allows energy-dense battery systems to be mounted beneath the floor of the bus and outside the passenger compartment. This distinct design creates a low center of gravity and enables more energy to be safely stored on board to increase power and range. Ensuring our transit buses utilize the best tires is another essential component to further maximize the performance of the Proterra Catalyst bus. The X InCity Energy Z tire for electric bus configuration will be the standard tire offered for the Proterra Catalyst vehicles.

The Proterra Catalyst vehicle and X InCity Energy Z tire will be on display during the American Public Transportation Association Mobility Conference at the Proterra booth #338 on Tuesday, May 21, in Louisville, Ky.


More Bus

Rendering of the upgraded Derby-Shelton Train Station
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

CTDOT Launches Four-Station Upgrades on Waterbury Line

Construction on all four stations is beginning now and is anticipated to be completed by spring 2028.

Read More →
East Colfax BRT
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

Denver RTD breaks ground on Aurora segment of East Colfax BRT

The beginning of the final BRT segment advances construction across all five segments, reflecting steady progress toward shorter travel times, improved accessibility, and a more dependable connection to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Federal Reserve Bank visiting ENC
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

Fed Leaders Highlight Growth, U.S. Manufacturing at ENC

The visit is part of the SF Fed's ongoing engagement with major employers and industries across Southern California and, more broadly, the western U.S. to better understand regional economic conditions and business outlooks.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
A Valley Metro bus
Managementby StaffApril 28, 2026

Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service

Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.

Read More →
A Des Moines DART bus
Busby StaffApril 28, 2026

Iowa DART Prepares for June Bus Network Launch

The new network reflects extensive input from riders and the community through Reimagine DART on what matters most in public transit — and those priorities are reflected in the changes ahead.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Route 8 bus travels on Denny Way in congested traffic.
Busby StaffApril 24, 2026

Seattle Speeds up Service on Denny Way

A new bus lane project aims to improve reliability on one of King County Metro’s busiest and most congestion-prone corridors.

Read More →