Michelin has come out with a new longhaul steer tire that was the direct result of a collaboration with Daimler Truck North America through the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck II project.

The Michelin X Line Energy Z+ tire was shown at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s spring meeting and trade show. It combines low rolling resistance, excellent mileage, and long-lasting traction, the company claims.

“The Michelin X Line Energy Z+ tire’s enhanced durability and traction means you can drive with complete confidence as the miles continue to accrue on your fleet,” said Karen Schwartz, business-to-business vice-president of marketing for Michelin North America. “This product will not replace the X Line Energy Z but is an additional offer for those longhaul fleets that value optimal fuel efficiency leading improved total cost of ownership.”

The new tire incorporates Infinicoil – a quarter-mile long steel wire wrapped around the circumference for stability and durability – and Regenion technologies, the latter of which uses 3D printing techniques to ensure the tread design evolves over time as it wears to maintain traction through the life of the tire.

The newest offering will launch in the third quarter of this year in size 295/75R22.5 LRH. Michelin continues to work on the drive tires that were attached to the same Daimler SuperTruck project, but those require more work to extend wear life to acceptable commercial levels, the company said.