ZC Rubber has announced a new original equipment tire partnership with Xiaomi Auto. The Arisun 1 Star tire will be factory-fitted on all 19-inch wheel versions of the Xiaomi SkyNomad N70, a five-seat range-extended electric SUV entering the market. This collaboration marks another significant step in how tire manufacturers customize products specifically for modern electrified vehicles.

Why This Partnership Matters for Tire Shoppers

The development of OE tires for electric and range-extended vehicles differs fundamentally from creating replacement tires for traditional gasoline cars. Automakers like Xiaomi present unique engineering challenges to tire suppliers: heavier vehicle weight, stringent range targets, and strict cabin noise requirements that go beyond what conventional tire design demands. Understanding how these specialized tires are built can help shoppers make more informed decisions when it comes time to purchase replacement tires for their own vehicles.

The Arisun 1 Star represents what tire engineers call a vehicle-specific approach. Rather than adapting an existing tire design to fit a new car, ZC Rubber developed this tire from the ground up using its Phecda Tech System. Every component, from the rubber compound to the internal structure and tread pattern, was optimized to work harmoniously with the SkyNomad N70’s specific performance needs.

Noise and Comfort Engineering

tire tread pattern close up macro
Photo by Zany Jadraque

One of the most noticeable differences in modern tire technology is how manufacturers tackle road noise and vibration. The Arisun 1 Star incorporates 24 internal noise-reduction plugs and a dedicated acoustic chamber designed to minimize tread noise and improve overall ride quality. For shoppers considering replacement tires, this feature demonstrates how advanced tire engineering addresses cabin comfort, a priority that continues to grow as vehicles become more connected and feature richer interiors.

The tire also features a high-elasticity sidewall and optimized carcass structure to absorb road impacts more effectively. These design choices directly affect the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance that drivers experience on both urban streets and highways. When shopping for replacement tires, these comfort-focused technologies are worth considering if road noise is a concern.

Range, Efficiency, and Durability

Electric and range-extended vehicles prioritize energy efficiency in ways that conventional cars do not. Every joule of energy wasted rolling the tire against the road represents lost range. The Arisun 1 Star uses a newly developed low-rolling-resistance rubber compound specifically formulated to minimize energy loss while driving. This technological approach has become increasingly relevant to replacement tire shoppers, particularly those driving electrified vehicles who want to maximize their vehicle’s efficiency.

ZC Rubber incorporated its BPOT Technology into the tire design, which optimizes how the tire contacts the road surface. By increasing the contact area by 5 percent through refined pressure distribution, the tire promotes more even wear across the tread. This innovation supports longer tire life and better range performance, two priorities that align closely with what cost-conscious shoppers seek in a replacement tire. Like innovations in tire service technology, these durability improvements represent the industry’s ongoing push toward better value and performance.

Wet and Dry Grip Performance

modern SUV tire on wheel rim
Photo by Vedat Kandemir

Safety and traction remain non-negotiable requirements for any tire, regardless of the vehicle type. The Arisun 1 Star employs ZC Rubber’s Hybrid Formula 3.0 compound to enhance grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The tire features optimized drainage grooves that actively move water away from the contact patch, supporting braking stability and cornering confidence in wet conditions. For replacement tire buyers evaluating all-season options, these grip characteristics matter significantly when driving in rain or on wet highways.

What This Means for the Tire Market

The Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 partnership is not an isolated announcement. ZC Rubber has indicated its intention to expand its OE tire applications across the electrified vehicle market as more manufacturers launch battery electric and range-extended models. This trend means that tire technologies developed for premium OE applications often eventually appear in replacement tire products, eventually benefiting a wider range of shoppers. Similar market evolution has occurred with agricultural tire innovations, which develop in specialized applications before becoming more broadly available.

For consumers shopping for replacement tires today, understanding how manufacturers engineer tires for specific vehicle platforms can provide valuable context. The technologies ZC Rubber developed for the Xiaomi partnership, including noise reduction, rolling resistance optimization, and enhanced durability, represent the direction the entire tire industry is moving. As electrified vehicles become more common on roads, demand for replacement tires with these characteristics will grow, making them increasingly important considerations for any tire purchase decision.