Bridgestone Ecopia EP500 Sizes & review

3
839

Select Your Tire Size on Tirerack

The Ecopia EP500 featuring ologic technology is Bridgestone’s ecologically oriented Grand Touring Summer tire originally developed for the drivers of BMW i3 and i8 electric cars. Designed to deliver significant improvements in tire rolling resistance and vehicle aerodynamics compared to standard sized tires, Ecopia EP500 tires 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 tires, they are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Bridgestone’s ologic technology was voted “Tire Technology of the Year” in the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence in 2014. It combines a large diameter tire with a narrow tread pattern to conserve energy that is otherwise lost through the tire’s internal friction or the vehicle’s aerodynamic resistance. While the tread of smaller diameter tires experience a higher percentage of deflection as they roll, the tread circumference of larger diameter tires can be reinforced by higher belt tension and experience a lower percentage of deflection that significantly reduces tire deformation and rolling resistance. The narrow tread also improves tire and vehicle aerodynamics that reduce drag.

Unique in appearance, Ecopia EP500 tires 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 tire slice through water to enhance wet traction.

Select Your Tire Size on Amazon

155/70R19
175/60R19

175/55R20
155/60R20
195/50R20

SIZEUTQGMAX.
LOAD
Max. Inflation PressureTread DepthTire WeightRim Width RangeMeas. Rim WidthSect. WidthTread WidthOverall Diam.Revs. Per Mile
155/70R19
84Q
440 A A1,102 lbs51 psi8/32"16 lbs4-5"4.5"6.2"4"27.6"755
155/60R20
80Q
440 A A992 lbs51 psi8/32"16 lbs4.5-5.5"4.5"6.2"4"27.3"762
175/55R20
89T
440 A A1,279 lbs50 psi8/32"17 lbs5-6"5.5"7.2"6"27.6"756
175/55R20
89Q
440 A A1,279 lbs50 psi8/32"18 lbs5-6"5.5"7.2"5.9"27.6"756
195/50R20
93T
440 A A1,433 lbs50 psi8/32"21 lbs5.5-7"6"8.3"6.6"27.7"752

3 COMMENTS

  1. Pretty bad tires. Less than 19 K on a tire and I see a metal cord already. This is pretty ridiculous

  2. I had to say “probably” in the buy again, as there are no other options. If there was any other choice, I’d make it immediately.Unfortunately for me, there is only one tire manufacturer for the BMW i3. My car came with the “free” 20″ wheel upgrade. While the rims look kind of cool, the thin tires can’t handle city streets at all. I had to replace both my front and rear tires because of tire blemishes caused by unavoidable small potholes that my other car’s tires handle perfectly well. The narrow tires also don’t do well in wet weather or if there is even a dusting of snow.I am planning on changing out the rims to the 19″ size to get snow tires, as the 20″ tires are awful.

  3. 21,000 miles on our i3. Just replaced the rears and we still have the original fronts which are probably good for another 5,000 miles. Grip level is high, however not sure whether that is primarily due the tires or the low center of gravity due to the battery placement. Tires are quiet. The ride is ok, tends to crash over pot holes. Car has an annoying floaty quality. Haven’t had a tire this narrow on a car since my 1988 Ford Festiva. Only tire available for the i3 and very hard to find.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here