Pirelli has developed special versions of three of its Scorpion tires for vehicles from electric vehicle startup manufacturer Rivian.
Production of Rivian's R1T pickup is scheduled to begin in June 2021. Pirelli also will fit tires on the Rivian R1S electric SUV.
Pirelli created versions of its Scorpion Verde All Season, Scorpion Zero All Season and Scorpion All Terrain tires for the Rivian vehicles. On the shoulder the tires have the marking "RIV and Elect." Pirelli says Elect is the marketing that identifies Pirelli tires for electric vehicles.
The tires offer low rolling resistance to maximize each car’s range, a quiet ride, plus improved traction to meet the demands from the transmission. Electric motors deliver the maximum torque available right from the bottom of the rev range, and Pirelli says the vehicles need tires that can match that power.
Pirelli and Rivian spent nearly two years co-developing the tires, resulting in three unique sizes for 20-, 21- and 22-inch wheels. The Scorpion Verde All Season tires at 21 inches introduce a new size to the industry, specifically for Rivian: 275/55R21.
The Scorpion Verde All Season is designed for crossovers, SUVs and pickups. The main challenge Pirelli’s technicians had to face was to meet Rivian's low rolling resistance targets.
Engineers worked on a higher-silica compound that decreases the vehicles’ energy consumption. Then, they worked on a dedicated design of the mold, narrowing the tread pattern of the tires and keeping an optimal footprint pressure distribution. In this case reducing surface-to-ground contact translates into less energy dissipation. The tires are constructed from lighter raw materials, and made to increase efficiency and range, while also offering dry and wet road handling, comfort and year-round capabilities, including all-season traction in light snow
The Scorpion Zero All Season tires are developed for the drivers of powerful crossovers and SUVs, as well as sport-tuned and performance pickup trucks. Pirelli says the Zero tires appeal to drivers looking for a combination of high-performance capability with all-season utility.
Rivian asked Pirelli to develop an even “grippier” version of its Scorpion Zero All Season. Pirelli’s engineers introduced nano-composite compounds to ensure maximum grip and stability. They also focused on the tread pattern, introducing a dedicated mold with a larger tread width, able to provide more contact area and, consequently, better handling performance.
