The Ecopia EP500 featuring ologic technology is Bridgestone's ecologically oriented Grand Touring Summer tyre originally developed for the drivers of BMW i3 and i8 electric cars. Designed to deliver significant improvements in tyre rolling resistance and vehicle aerodynamics compared to standard sized tyre's, Ecopia EP500 tyre's reduce energy consumption to enhance vehicle range and help drivers maintain their vehicle's sporty appearance and summertime mobility by delivering traction in dry and wet conditions. However, like all summer tyre's, they are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.
Bridgestone's ologic technology was voted "Tyre Technology of the Year" in the Tyre Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence in 2014. It combines a large diameter tyre with a narrow tread pattern to conserve energy that is otherwise lost through the tyre's internal friction or the vehicle's aerodynamic resistance. While the tread of smaller diameter tyre's experience a higher percentage of deflection as they roll, the tread circumference of larger diameter tyre's can be reinforced by higher belt tension and experience a lower percentage of deflection that significantly reduces tyre deformation and rolling resistance. The narrow tread also improves tyre and vehicle aerodynamics that reduce drag.
Unique in appearance, Ecopia EP500 tyre's feature a summer tread compound molded into a four-rib asymmetric tread design featuring a long contact patch (relative to its narrow width) that promotes grip in both wet and dry conditions. Large outboard shoulder blocks backed by three notched circumferential ribs enhance dry road traction and stopping distances. A long and narrow contact patch and three circumferential grooves help the tyre slice through water to enhance wet traction.
