MICHELIN e·Primacy: The Eco-Designed Tyre for Sustainable Mobility
Like many drivers today, you may be looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make your journeys more sustainable. The automotive industry shares these goals — advancing electric mobility while improving the fuel efficiency of combustion-engine vehicles.
In this context, Michelin has developed the MICHELIN e·Primacy, the brand’s first eco-designed tyre combining low environmental impact, lasting performance, and energy efficiency from the first to the last kilometre.
🌿 Why Is the MICHELIN e·Primacy an Eco-Designed Tyre?
The MICHELIN e·Primacy is engineered for very low rolling resistance, allowing vehicles to consume less energy and emit fewer emissions — whether powered by fuel or electricity.
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For combustion vehicles, this means lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions.
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For electric vehicles, it means up to 7% more battery range per charge (3).
But the e·Primacy goes further than energy efficiency alone — it has been designed using a full life-cycle analysis, to reduce environmental impact not only during driving, but also throughout its manufacturing process.
⚙️ Eco-Design in Use: Low Rolling Resistance
Tyres account for around 20% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption (4) — meaning that one in five tanks of fuel is used simply to overcome rolling resistance.
The MICHELIN e·Primacy’s innovative materials and structure reduce this resistance by about 25% compared with the MICHELIN Primacy 4 (1) — a major step forward in efficiency.
For a standard size like 205/55 R16 91V, that reduction translates to:
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Up to 174 kg less CO₂ emitted over 35,000 km (2) for combustion cars.
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Up to 7% more range for electric vehicles (3).
This makes the e·Primacy an ideal choice for drivers seeking both performance and sustainability — whether they drive petrol, hybrid, or fully electric vehicles.
🏭 Eco-Design in Manufacturing
The MICHELIN e·Primacy is also designed and produced with sustainability in mind.
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It is the first tyre on the market to include an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) — a transparent certification demonstrating reduced environmental impact during its life cycle.
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Michelin manufactures the tyre close to its market regions, minimising emissions from long-distance transport.
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By using materials with a lower abrasion rate, Michelin has reduced fine particle emissions by 5% (5) compared with previous generations.
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In independent testing by ADAC, Michelin tyres showed an abrasion rate around 30% lower than the industry average (6). This also contributes to greater tyre longevity.
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Michelin is progressively electrifying its mould heating systems, replacing fossil fuels with renewable electricity to further reduce CO₂ emissions during production.
🔋 e·Primacy: A Step Forward for Sustainable Mobility
The MICHELIN e·Primacy marks a turning point in Michelin’s commitment to sustainable tyre technology. It demonstrates how performance and environmental responsibility can coexist — paving the way for future tyre generations.
Compared with traditional ranges like the MICHELIN Primacy 4, the e·Primacy integrates all of Michelin’s expertise in energy efficiency, durability, and eco-design.
♻️ Michelin’s Vision: To design tyres that deliver top performance while supporting the global shift toward sustainable mobility.
⚖️ MICHELIN e·Primacy vs MICHELIN Primacy 4
Both the e·Primacy and Primacy 4 are summer tyres offering Michelin’s renowned safety and longevity. But each is optimised for different driver priorities:
| Feature | MICHELIN e·Primacy | MICHELIN Primacy 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Design Focus | Eco-efficiency & sustainability | Safety & braking performance |
| Rolling Resistance Label | A | B |
| Wet Grip Label | B | A |
| Best For | EVs, hybrids, and eco-conscious drivers | Drivers prioritising wet braking and safety |
| CO₂ Reduction / Fuel Savings | ✔️ Lower consumption | — |
| Battery Range Benefit (EVs) | ✔️ Up to +7% | — |
Both ranges deliver excellent longevity and maintain performance over time, but they serve different needs depending on your driving style and vehicle type.
🛞 How to Choose Between e·Primacy and Primacy 4
Use the following questions to guide your decision:
Do you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle?
✅ Choose MICHELIN e·Primacy — optimised for low rolling resistance and extended battery life.
Do you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle?
You have two good options:
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e·Primacy → for lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions.
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Primacy 4 → for maximum braking performance and safety, especially in wet conditions.
🔍 Note: Some tyre sizes are only available in one of the two ranges. Check availability and compatibility with your vehicle’s specifications.
🌎 In Summary
| Advantage | MICHELIN e·Primacy | Environmental Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Very low rolling resistance | ✔️ | Reduced fuel use / extended EV range |
| Life-cycle eco-design | ✔️ | Lower total impact |
| Reduced fine particle emissions | ✔️ | Cleaner air quality |
| Certified Environmental Product Declaration | ✔️ | Proven sustainability |
| Designed for hybrid, electric & ICE vehicles | ✔️ | Universal efficiency |
The MICHELIN e·Primacy represents the next generation of tyres — where sustainability meets innovation and where every kilometre helps drive a greener future.