Michelin has developed three special tyres for the new A290 in conjunction with Alpine

After more than a decade of collaboration in the pursuit of optimal performance, Alpine and Michelin are once again joining forces to equip the new electric models of the French brand. The partnership, originally forged in 2012 with the iconic Alpine A110, is now being updated for the electric era. Alpine has entrusted Michelin with creating tailor-made tyres to enhance the performance of the Alpine A290, the first model of its electric “Dream Garage”, recently presented in Mallorca.

The Alpine A290 is the first of a series of electric sports models that Alpine has on its horizon, and it has been designed to deliver an exciting and distinctive driving experience, in line with the brand’s values. With a power output of 220 CV and 300 Nm of torque, the A290 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, showing agility optimised by its short wheelbase. These characteristics reinforce its sporting essence, and have led Michelin to develop three types of tyres specific to this model, two summer and one winter, which maximise grip and range.

Three Michelin tyres designed

The collaboration between the two companies has been key to giving the A290 a range of specific tyres that support the performance and safety of electric driving, both in summer and in winter. The development work has spanned two years, with intensive testing to meet performance and range standards. Thus, Michelin has created the following exclusive tyres for the A290:

• Michelin Pilot Sport EV: designed to optimise energy efficiency and range without sacrificing grip.
• Michelin Pilot Sport S5: a summer tyre designed to maximise performance on dry and wet surfaces, which was put to the test during the recent presentation in Mallorca.
• Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: a winter tyre that guarantees safety and grip in low-temperature conditions, as well as on wet and snowy surfaces.

Each tyre carries a specific marking, “A29“, which identifies the design exclusive to Alpine and ensures the original performance is maintained throughout the vehicle’s service life. Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, highlighted that these tyres are a crucial element in maintaining range without compromising the brand’s sporting dynamics: “Special attention has been paid to the tyre’s rolling resistance, without compromising grip and handling, to give this first Alpine electric car the best possible range.”

Details to consider in tyre development

Creating tyres for electric vehicles such as the Alpine A290 involves facing unique challenges. In addition to supporting the additional weight of the battery, the tyres must ensure stability against the instant torque of electric motors and withstand the demands of regenerative braking. In the case of the A290, engineers have managed to increase the tread section by 15%, reaching a width of 225 mm, which widens the contact patch and improves the car’s stability at high speeds.