As the transportation sector accelerates its shift towards electrification, Maxion Wheels is spearheading the development of specialised wheel technologies to address the distinct requirements of battery-electric trucks. The company's deep engineering expertise and innovative approach position it as a leader in creating solutions that meet the evolving demands of electric mobility.

Electric trucks present unique technical challenges due to their substantial battery weight, which can add 2-3 tonnes compared to conventional diesel vehicles. Proposed European regulations allowing increased gross vehicle weights for zero-emission trucks further intensify the demands on wheel systems. The instant torque characteristics of electric drivetrains, often delivering 2-3 times more torque than traditional engines, combined with the stresses of regenerative braking, create unprecedented loads. These factors can increase front axle loads by up to 500 kg per wheel, necessitating stronger yet lightweight wheel designs.

Maxion addresses these challenges through material science innovation, employing micro-alloyed high-strength steels with yield strengths exceeding 550 MPa – approximately 20 percent stronger than standard wheel steels. The company's proprietary Lightweighting Process integrates advanced engineering techniques including topology optimisation algorithms that simulate natural growth patterns, finite element analysis of over 5,000 load scenarios and precision forming methods that enhance material properties.

The company's substantial investments in high-performance computing have revolutionised its development capabilities. These powerful systems enable evaluation of more than 15,000 design iterations during development cycles, sophisticated multi-physics simulations combining mechanical, thermal and fatigue analysis and digital twin validation that has reduced physical prototyping requirements by 40 percent.

Current production solutions include certified 22.5-inch steel wheels with exceptional 4,250 kg load capacity, weight-optimised designs saving approximately 50 kg per axle compared to conventional wheels, and customized variants tailored to different battery configurations. Looking ahead, with market analysts projecting electric trucks will capture 25 percent of the commercial vehicle market by 2030, Maxion is actively developing next-generation solutions including aluminium hybrid wheels for premium applications, advanced composite materials for lightweight designs and enhanced testing protocols for extreme fast-charging thermal conditions.

Ralf Duning, Vice President of Global Engineering at Maxion Wheels, said, “At Maxion Wheels, we are committed to leading the charge in e-mobility by developing lightweight wheel solutions that meet the unique demands of battery-electric trucks. Our latest designs not only enhance payload capacity but also ensure that our customers can transition to sustainable transport without compromising on performance or durability.”

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As the Bundestag concludes its final session before summer recess, Germany's rubber industry is pressing the federal government to accelerate promised regulatory reforms. Michael Klein, president of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), highlighted the stalled abolition of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act as a key example of delayed action.

Klein emphasised that the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD explicitly committed to repealing the German Supply Chain Act. He described this as a straightforward opportunity to reduce bureaucratic burdens, where minimal government effort would yield significant economic benefits. The industry leader noted that while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration initially earned praise for its pro-business stance, companies now urgently need tangible relief measures.

The wdk president specifically called for eliminating excessive reporting requirements, arguing that suspending supply chain obligations would provide immediate relief without complex implementation. Klein cautioned against bureaucratic expansion, stressing that creating new ministries like the Digital Ministry shouldn't come at the cost of increasing red tape that later requires reduction.

The association maintains that swift action on these reforms would send a crucial positive signal to businesses facing regulatory pressures. With the summer legislative pause approaching, the rubber industry seeks concrete progress on these long-promised measures to support Germany's industrial competitiveness.

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Pirelli has launched a groundbreaking production tyre containing over 70 percent bio-based and recycled materials, setting a new industry benchmark for sustainability. This innovative P Zero tyre features FSC-certified natural rubber, ensuring responsible sourcing from plantations to manufacturing. By 2026, all-natural rubber used in Pirelli's European plants will meet this rigorous certification standard. Initially available for select Range Rover models on 22-inch wheels, this development supports Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) commitment to sustainable luxury vehicles.

The tyre bears dual certification: the FSC mark for responsibly sourced rubber and Pirelli's proprietary logo for tyres exceeding 50 percent eco-friendly content, verified by Bureau Veritas. Achieving ultra-high performance while incorporating sustainable materials presented significant R&D challenges. Key innovations include recycled steel from scrap metal, silica derived from rice husk waste for wet-weather grip and circular carbon black produced from end-of-life tyres through pyrolysis. The compound also utilises bio-based polymers from repurposed cooking oil and plant-derived resins that enhance dry/wet performance balance.

As Pirelli's flagship innovation platform, the P Zero line continues its tradition of technological leadership. This launch builds on Pirelli's 2021 milestone of creating the first FSC-certified tyre and strengthens its partnership with JLR, which in 2024 became the first automaker to use tyres with 100 percent FSC-certified rubber. The new P Zero serves as both a production tyre and a testbed for future material advancements, with plans to progressively increase sustainable content. This achievement underscores Pirelli's dual commitment to performance excellence and environmental responsibility in tyre manufacturing.

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The Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), a leading authority in rubber sector education and training, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Certificate Course in Tyre Technology.

The program is targeted at a wide set of stakeholders such as tyre designers & technologists, R&D Engineers & Scientists, process technologists, quality control persons, testing professionals, vehicle dynamics engineers, automotive engineers, polymer and rubber technology students and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The registrations will begin on 14 July 2025 and will close on 25 August 2025.

Set to begin on 30 August, the course will conclude in December 2025. The 45-hour in-depth course consists of 30 live and interactive online sessions. It covers a wide set of topics such as –

• Tyre engineering, design, and modern manufacturing processes
• Advanced performance evaluation and simulation techniques
• Innovations in smart and sustainable tyre technologies, including EV tyre specifics
• Industry regulations, testing and forensic analysis

IRI believes that there is a pressing need for highly skilled professionals, as the global tyre and mobility segment continues to navigate unprecedented changes, especially with the rise of alternative energy vehicles. Candidates who are successful will receive a certificate from the institute.

Dr. R Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, Indian Rubber Institute, said, “Our new Certificate Course in Tyre Technology is a direct response to this need, offering a robust curriculum

delivered by seasoned industry experts. We are committed to fostering a future-ready  workforce capable of leading innovation and addressing the complex challenges of tomorrows tyre landscape.”

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Hankook Tire has launched the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, a premium all-terrain tyre engineered for demanding applications across camper vans, off-road vehicles and construction transporters. This versatile all-season performer delivers uncompromising traction, durability and comfort across diverse surfaces and weather conditions. Available in 15 sizes from 15 to 17 inches, it covers the core 4x4 segment while complementing Hankook's existing Dynapro lineup that extends up to 20-inch variants.

Positioned strategically between the road-oriented Dynapro HPX and rugged Dynapro MT2, the AT2 Xtreme strikes the perfect balance for adventure-seekers who need everyday practicality. Its innovative design features aggressive shoulder blocks with deep sidewall protection to withstand off-road hazards while maintaining on-road refinement. The advanced tread pattern incorporates multi-directional sipes and grooves that provide exceptional snow traction, earning the tyre 3PMSF winter certification with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Engineered for quiet comfort, the AT2 Xtreme utilises graduated block edges and stabilising tie-bars between tread blocks to minimise noise and enhance stability. Hankook's breakthrough ‘Max Mileage’ technology employs a specialised compound with functionalised polymers and temperature-resistant particles for optimal silica distribution, delivering superior grip and extended tread life compared to previous generations. This advanced material science, combined with the tyre's robust construction, ensures reliable performance in extreme conditions while achieving remarkable mileage – making the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme a smart choice for drivers who demand year-round capability without compromise.

Jongho Park, President of Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, we are strengthening our position in the growing all-terrain segment by delivering a reliable, robust and comfortable solution for vehicles that switch between on-road and off-road use.”

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