New World Record 252.09 km/h!

Nokian Tyres Fastest on Ice also with an electric car

Test driver Janne Laitinen from Nokian Tyres reached a speed of 252.09 km/h (156.64 mph) in the E-RA electric car on the ice of Lake Ukonjärvi in Inari, Finland. The record, achieved on 17 March 2012 by the world’s northernmost tyre manufacturer and the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ high-tech E-RA (Electric RaceAbout) vehicle, is unique.

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The top speed of this uncompromising sports car with a total of 280-kW electric motor reached over 260 km/h (161.59 mph) in the freezing weather. The relentless grip and stable handling necessary at extreme speeds were ensured by regular production Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 studded tyres (225/40R18).

- Testing in demanding conditions forms an essential part of our winter tyre development. We feel that the record and co-operation in the E-RA project are great ways to gain new experience and continue our progress at the peak of development. This is a true source of inspiration for developers of tyres, whose greatest challenges include optimising the safety characteristics and low rolling resistance, which greatly affects the range of electric vehicles, says Matti Morri, Technical Customer Service manager for Nokian Tyres.

The test was carried out on a six-kilometre track and it was performed according to the regulations of the Guinness World Records organisation. However as a class does not yet exist for this type of record, the Guinness organization was not involved in certifying the test and it is therefore not an “Official Guinness World Record”.