Kumho Launches K E-City CA31 Tyre For Electric Urban Buses

Kumho has introduced the K E-City CA31 (KCA31), a tyre engineered for electric urban buses where stop-start use, high torque and cabin noise are daily realities. The first size on sale is 275/70 R22.5, with 315/60 R22.5 and 265/70 R19.5 to follow. Kumho positions the KCA31 to improve rolling efficiency, cut noise and extend service life for city bus operators transitioning to zero-emission fleets.

What’s New In The Kumho K E-City CA31

Built For Urban E-Bus Duty

• High-rigidity steel belts and high-strength polyester cords to stabilise handling at speed.
• Next-gen polymer and precision-silica compounds aimed at lower rolling resistance and reduced energy use.
• Pattern tuning plus sound-absorbing foam to limit tread and cavity resonance; Kumho targets up to 8% quieter operation.
• Ground-pressure optimisation and 3D chamfer features to suppress irregular wear and improve ride comfort.
• Zigzag ribs with 3D interlocking sipes to support wet-braking and steering response in stop-start routes.

Sizes & Timing

• Now available: 275/70 R22.5.
• Planned additions: 315/60 R22.5 and 265/70 R19.5 for wider fitment across European city buses.

Range And Energy

Lower rolling resistance directly supports e-bus range and charging schedules. The K E-City CA31’s compound strategy is designed to trim drivetrain losses on high-frequency urban cycles.

Noise And Passenger Experience

Cavity foam and groove tuning aim to reduce interior noise — an important metric for EV buses where tyre and road inputs dominate cabin sound.

Durability In Stop-Start Service

Reinforced construction and wear-resistant tread features target longer life between changes on dense urban routes, helping operators control total cost of ownership.

Market Context: E-Bus Tyres Are Evolving Fast

Competitors are also mapping EV-specific needs in bus and truck segments. Hankook’s e-SMART City AU56 illustrates the move to low rolling resistance and reinforced casings for e-bus loads, as covered in our RTX preview.
Michelin’s X InCity EV Z is already embedded with UK operators via tyre-management deals, underlining how fleets value efficiency, load capacity and longevity on electric buses.

Product Reference

For Kumho’s current City Transit tyre portfolio, including KCA31, see the company’s global listing.

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Tagged with: Kumho K E-City CA31, Kumho KCA31, electric bus tyre, urban e-bus, low rolling resistance, tyre noise reduction, city bus operations, 275/70 R22.5, EV fleets, commercial EV tyres, wear optimisation

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