A significant knowledge gap exists among UK drivers regarding the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) in cold weather, according to a YouGov study commissioned by Michelin. With winter conditions setting in and EV adoption rising, the research indicates that more than half of motorists are unaware that their electric car might handle differently in the cold, and over a third confess to feeling nervous about operating one during winter.

This apprehension is compounded by a clear disparity between driver attitudes and their actual preparedness. An overwhelming majority of respondents, around 90 percent, acknowledge the importance of winter vehicle preparation, and 82 percent recognise the critical role tyres play in safety. However, behavioural data reveals a stark contrast, with only 11.7 percent currently using winter tyres. This suggests a widespread failure to translate awareness into actionable safety measures.

The core of the issue lies in a lack of specific understanding about EV dynamics. Twenty percent of those surveyed incorrectly believed electric cars are generally less safe in winter than traditional fuel vehicles. A prominent concern for 67 percent of drivers was losing control on ice or snow, highlighting the critical need for education on vehicle handling. This knowledge deficit is further evidenced by 43 percent of respondents expressing a desire for more guidance on safe EV operation.

Tyre performance is a fundamental aspect of winter safety that is often overlooked. Standard summer tyres begin to harden and lose grip at temperatures below 7°C. In contrast, winter and all-season tyres are engineered with specialised rubber and tread designs that stay flexible in the cold, providing superior traction, braking and stability on wet or icy roads. This is especially crucial for electric vehicles, which are often heavier and deliver instant torque, particularly in rear-wheel-drive models, requiring tyres designed to handle these specific characteristics to maintain stability and even protect driving range.

The survey ultimately underscores an urgent need for a concerted educational effort. Drivers are calling for car manufacturers, the government and retailers to take the lead in providing clear information to ensure safer winter driving for the growing number of electric vehicle users.

Joe Brammer, Technical Manager, Michelin UK, said, “Winter doesn’t just challenge drivers – it challenges their vehicles and tyres too. Cold weather can affect braking distances and grip for all cars, yet too many drivers still aren’t fitting tyres designed for these conditions. With more electric vehicles on the road than ever, its vital drivers understand how winter temperatures impact performance and safety as these cars can perform differently in winter compared to combustion vehicles. Choosing tyres built for cold weather or all-season use can make a real difference in maintaining control, confidence and protection on the road.

“It’s encouraging that drivers understand how important winter preparation is, but awareness needs to translate into action. Whether it’s checking tyre pressures, fitting winter-ready tyres, or booking a professional inspection, a few small steps can make winter driving safer and less stressful. It’s clear too that there is an opportunity for those selling, promoting and encouraging uptake of EVs to help equip drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Vredestein Perfect Tour+, a new urban bicycle tyre designed for reliability across diverse conditions. Engineered for daily commutes and longer tours, this tyre accommodates both traditional and electric bicycles, including higher-speed pedelec models, as confirmed by its full ECE R75 certification. This ensures its capability to handle increased loads and velocities while maintaining safety and comfort.

A key focus of the design is enhanced durability, achieved through a robust 5-mm puncture-protection layer. This reinforcement substantially diminishes the likelihood of flats from road hazards. For consistent performance in varied weather, the tyre utilises a specialised Optimum Silica Processing (OSP) compound. This technology provides secure grip on wet, slippery or snowy surfaces by improving the bond between silica and rubber, offering reliable traction even in colder temperatures.

Further contributing to its all-weather performance is a refined V-shaped tread pattern, which promotes stable roadholding without sacrificing efficiency. This design works to reduce rolling resistance, facilitating smoother and faster rides. The Vredestein Perfect Tour+ will be available from March in multiple sizes commonly used for touring and commuting, such as 50-559 and several 622 diameter options.

Nic Knippers, Divisional Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Perfect Tour+ continues our long tradition of developing touring products that combine safety, durability and reliable everyday performance. With its upgraded protection and advanced compound technology, it provides riders with even more worry-free kilometres of riding, whether they’re commuting or touring, and is fully able to harness the enhanced torque delivered by e-bikes and speed pedelecs.”

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Cabot Corporation has completed the acquisition of Mexico Carbon Manufacturing S.A. de C.V. from Bridgestone Corporation, following regulatory approvals, the US-based materials group said on Monday.

The transaction, first announced in August, brings the Mexican carbon black producer, known as MXCB, into Cabot’s global manufacturing network. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Cabot has long supplied reinforcing carbon products to Bridgestone, and said the acquisition would further strengthen the relationship between the two companies.

The MXCB facility is located near Cabot’s existing site in Altamira, Mexico. Cabot said the addition would expand its production capacity, improve operational flexibility and allow the manufacture of a wider range of reinforcing carbon products to serve customer demand and future growth.

Sean Keohane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cabot Corporation, said the acquisition marked “a significant step forward” in the company’s strategy to grow its core businesses.

“By adding the MXCB facility to our global network, we are expanding our manufacturing capabilities, enhancing supply reliability for our customers, and positioning Cabot for long-term success,” Keohane said. “We are excited to welcome the MXCB team to Cabot and look forward to building on our strong partnership with Bridgestone as we continue to deliver industry-leading reinforcing solutions around the world.”

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Hankook’s iON Race tyre played a defining role in the unpredictable third round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Miami. For this event, a new bespoke circuit configuration at the Miami International Autodrome presented fresh challenges with its temporary, non-uniform surface. These demands were intensified by a historic first: a wet-weather Miami E-Prix. As grip levels shifted dramatically from the initial safety car period onward, the tyre’s predictable warm-up behaviour and controlled thermal characteristics provided teams with a stable platform. This consistency was vital for managing the evolving conditions, allowing for strategic adaptation without sacrificing balance or race-long efficiency.

The race itself unfolded as a closely fought contest, ultimately won by Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans, who strengthened his championship position. Beyond supplying crucial performance on-track, Hankook engaged directly with the festival atmosphere of the Formula E weekend. The brand operated a dedicated Fan Village where attendees could explore the iON road tyre range and interact with displays highlighting Hankook’s philosophy and advancements in EV-specific tyre technology.

This Miami round, with its unique configuration and variable weather, served as a valuable proving ground. The insights gained from the iON Race tyre’s performance under such distinct pressures directly contribute to the ongoing development of Hankook’s broader electric vehicle tyre portfolio. With the Miami chapter complete, the championship's focus now shifts to the contrasting high-speed challenge of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Miami was a strong example of how important predictable tyre behaviour is on a newly introduced Formula E layout at an iconic venue. As grip levels evolved throughout the weekend, the iON Race delivered the stability and consistency required to support competitive racing under changing conditions.”

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King Willem-Alexander inaugurated what Circtec calls Europe’s largest and most advanced chemical recycling facility for end-of-life tyres, marking the start of operations at the company’s Delfzijl plant in the Netherlands’ northern chemical cluster.

The facility, whose investment was announced in May 2024, has completed construction and commissioning of its first phase and is now processing 50,000 tonnes of waste tyres a year. During the ceremony, the King symbolically began operations by feeding tyre material into Circtec’s proprietary CIFR pyrolysis reactor. The event was attended by the Netherlands’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth, along with the British Ambassador to the Netherlands.

Circtec’s technology converts discarded tyres into a slate of products including a marine fuel marketed as HUPA, circular naphtha for use in plastics and chemicals and recovered carbon black for reuse in tyres, rubber and plastics. The plant can also supply tyre pyrolysis oil to petrochemical and refining customers as a lower-carbon feedstock.

The Delfzijl project follows more than 15 years of technology and product development by the company. At current capacity, the plant is expected to process roughly 6 percent of Europe’s annual waste tyre stream. More than half of Europe’s end-of-life tyres are still burned in cement kilns or exported to Asia for disposal, according to Circtec.

An ISO-standard life cycle assessment commissioned by the company indicates the plant could cut greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 3 percent of the Dutch chemical industry’s national emissions once the site reaches full scale.

Circtec plans to begin construction of a second phase later this year, expanding capacity in modules to a total of 200,000 tonnes of tyres a year.

The company has secured long-term offtake agreements for its entire output. Birla Carbon will take the recovered carbon black for its Continua de-carbonisation product line, while British Petroleum has contracted volumes of the marine fuel, circular naphtha and tyre pyrolysis oil.

The project is backed by Novo Holdings and A.P. Moller Holding, which closed a Euro 150 million funding round for Circtec in 2024. The company is planning additional plants globally, both as owner-operator projects and through joint-venture licensing.

During the visit, the King toured the facility and met employees as well as representatives from British Petroleum, Birla Carbon and Dutch tyre recycling body RecyBEM. Discussions also involved local and regional authorities on the plant’s economic and environmental role in the Groningen region.

Commenting on the occassion, Circtec Chief Executive Officer Allen Timpany said, “Circtec now moves forward to operate the first phase of this plant and to expand it to its full designed and permitted size. Let us work together to scale this success further. So that this plant may inspire others, here in the Netherlands and far beyond, to rethink waste, reimagine value, and to keep moving forward, tenaciously, innovatively, and with strategic vision toward a sustainable and resilient industrial future”.

Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Netherlands Deputy Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans said, "What we see here at Circtec is Green Growth at its best. Every year, 180,000 tonnes of used car tyres will be given a second life as a high-quality raw material. That is circular economy on an industrial scale. This factory shows that we can and want to become more sustainable in the Netherlands and dare to build new, future-proof industry. Good for our climate, good for our economy and good for the earning capacity of the Netherlands."

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