The test took place over three days on a 143.6-mile route, during which the low rolling resistance Michelin 315/70 X Line Energy tyres – designed to operate at a high average speed on long-distance trunking – showed a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency over a set of competing premium-brand 295/80 R 22.5 regional tread pattern tyres.
The trials took in a combination of A-roads and motorways, and were conducted with the support of Michelin’s UK technical team.
The tyres were fitted to a Euro 6 Renault 6x2 T-series 460.26, pulling a fully-laden tri-axle SDC curtainside trailer. A control vehicle was used during the testing to mitigate the effects of traffic and weather conditions.
“We were already aware of the Michelin X Line Energy’s fuel-saving abilities, but sometimes the proof only comes from hitting the road – and the results quickly became clear,” says Mike Stringer, product engineer at Renault Trucks.
“It was also clear evidence of the suitability of a 315/70 R 22.5 tyre set-up versus the 295/80 R 22.5 which were previously favoured in the UK market. Not only do the 315/70s seem the better option at Euro 6, they also open up access to the very latest generation of tyres on the market.”
He adds: “Michelin’s X Line Energy tyres tick the box for fuel consumption, while also offering durability, longevity and safety. All of these factors contribute to ensuring a low total cost of ownership for Renault’s customers – and in road transport, that’s the name of the game.”