LOUISVILLE, Ky. The HDL2 DL Eco Plus deep lug drive tire from Continental Tire isn’t even on store shelves yet, but it has been verified by the EPA’s SmartWay program for low rolling resistance.
The company made the announcement to coincide with its presentation at the Mid-America Trucking Show here. The HDL2 DL Eco Plus joins the HSL2 (steer), HDL Eco Plus (drive), HTL Eco Plus (trailer) and HTL1 (trailer) on the SmartWay list of verified tires.
SmartWay verification for tires indicates that low rolling resistance technology in the tire provides a reduction in NOx emissions and an estimated fuel savings of 3% or greater relative to the “best selling” new tires for line haul trucks.
The HDL2 DL Eco Plus goes on sale in June in a 275/80R22.5 size. It is designed for long original mileage with a full inch of tread depth. It also includes a closed shoulder tread design for traction on both wet and dry road conditions and to resist irregular wear.
The EPA is expected to change its standards when it comes to tire verification, Continental said. Previously, tires could be verified individually or as a combined package of steer, drive and trailer axle tires. The packaged verification will no longer be allowed later this year, the company said.
“The HDL2 DL Eco Plus meets the current standard for the drive axle, and all Continental truck tires currently verified by SmartWay are capable of qualifying on the individual basis,” Roger Stansbie, director of radial truck tire technology development, said. “Fleets will not notice any change in our SmartWay lineup when the EPA changes this requirements for qualification later this year.”
