SHERIDAN, WYOMING - December 26, 2025 - Yokohama Rubber has expanded its presence in the electric vehicle supply chain as Nissan chooses the AVID GT as original equipment for the new Nissan LEAF in the United States, underlining the growing role of EV-optimized tire technology in improving range, comfort and safety for mainstream electric cars.
EV-Optimized Tires for a Core Mass-Market Electric Vehicle
Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its AVID GT in size 215/55R18 95H as factory equipment for the latest Nissan LEAF EV launched in the U.S. market in 2025. Positioned as a key electric model for drivers transitioning from internal combustion engines to battery-electric vehicles, the new LEAF benefits from a tire package specifically engineered to support higher curb weights, instant torque and demanding efficiency targets.
Built by applying core design and material technologies from Yokohama's BluEarth global tire brand, the AVID GT extends the "environmentally, human, and socially friendly" concept into a dedicated EV fitment. The tire is designed to enhance energy efficiency and wear resistance while maintaining confident road holding and safety, aligning with OEM requirements for long-term durability and predictable performance.
Balancing Efficiency, Handling and Noise in a Single Package
For the LEAF program, Yokohama optimized the AVID GT's tire profile and casing structure to deliver lighter weight without compromising stability. This contributes directly to lower rolling resistance and improved energy efficiency, supporting Nissan's targets for extended driving range and responsive handling.
Noise control is another critical focus for EVs, where the absence of engine sound makes tire noise more noticeable. To achieve a highly quiet ride, engineers used evolutionary computation (genetic algorithms) within Yokohama's HAICoLab digital innovation framework to determine an optimal tread pitch sequence. By combining real and simulated data, HAICoLab enabled precise tuning of tread-block arrangement to reduce pattern noise while preserving grip and stability characteristics.
HAICoLab: Human-AI Collaboration in Tire Development
HAICoLab-short for "Humans and AI ColLaborate"-is Yokohama's in-house platform for merging engineering expertise with AI-driven data analysis. In the AVID GT program, HAICoLab's prediction, analysis and search capabilities were applied to vast datasets generated from both real-world testing and simulation.
This approach allows engineers to explore a much wider design space than traditional trial-and-error methods, quickly identifying pattern and structural combinations that maximize energy efficiency, comfort and safety. The AVID GT thus serves as a practical example of how AI can shorten development cycles and deliver more refined tire characteristics tailored to EV-specific demands.
Supporting the LEAF's Broader Market Positioning
The new Nissan LEAF is positioned not only for dedicated EV adopters, but also as an attractive alternative for buyers coming from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. With improvements in driving range, faster charging and a technology suite aimed at simplifying daily use, the LEAF relies on its tire package to translate these capabilities into everyday driving confidence.
By pairing the EV's dynamic characteristics with tires that enhance stability, quietness and efficiency, Nissan and Yokohama aim to deliver a more compelling overall ownership experience. This is particularly important as EV shoppers increasingly evaluate total cost of ownership and day-to-day comfort alongside sustainability credentials.
OEM Programs as a Catalyst for Broader EV Tire Innovation
Yokohama is using its role as an OE supplier for EVs like the LEAF to inform the development of its future replacement tire portfolio. Feedback from vehicle manufacturers on load requirements, regenerative braking behavior and real-world wear patterns is being fed directly into new product designs.
The company's goal is to expand its lineup of BluEarth-technology-based products while improving the performance of all tires to match evolving standards for electrified mobility. In a market where regulations, consumer expectations and OEM strategies are shifting rapidly, the AVID GT fitment illustrates how tire makers can partner with automakers to support the broader transition to more sustainable, energy-efficient transport.
For more information on Yokohama Rubber's global tire technologies and product lineup, visit https://www.y-yokohama.com/global/.