In a major technological milestone for the commercial EV market, SRI deploys sensing core load detection on the newly launched Ruichi C5 electric light-duty truck in China. This marks not only Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ (SRI) first deployment of the technology in the Chinese market but also the world’s first commercial adoption of tire load detection functionality in an electric vehicle.
Reinventing Load Management for Modern Deliveries
China’s booming e-commerce sector has fueled an explosive rise in short-distance, high-frequency urban deliveries. These operations demand precise load monitoring, yet most vehicles still rely on systems that assume fixed load conditions. This gap often results in inconsistent performance, especially during braking, starting, and cornering.
To address these challenges, SRI deploys sensing core load detection as a software-driven breakthrough that provides real-time insight into load variations—without requiring any additional sensors.
How Does a Sensing Core Work Without Sensors?
SRI’s proprietary Sensing Core technology is a hardware-free solution that interprets tire and vehicle behavior by analyzing the following:
- Wheel-speed signals
- CAN (Controller Area Network) data
By processing these inputs, the system can accurately detect tire load, wear, pressure, road surface changes, and even potential wheel detachment—all without modifying existing vehicle hardware. This offers significant cost advantages for commercial EV manufacturers.
Real-Time Load Detection for Safer, Smoother Drives
On the Ruichi C5, Sensing Core enables real-time detection of cargo weight and load distribution across left and right tires on each axle. This data is shared with the EV’s control unit to automatically fine-tune:
- Torque output
- Braking control
The result is a drastically improved driving experience that minimizes instability caused by shifting cargo. Drivers benefit from a smoother, safer, and more stable EV, regardless of fluctuating load conditions.
A Strategic Fit for China’s Commercial EV Landscape
With a sales target of 20,000 Ruichi C5 units annually, the partnership highlights SRI’s commitment to advancing EV intelligence in the world’s fastest-growing commercial mobility market. The company also plans to extend this feature to other Ruichi models, laying the foundation for broader Asian and global expansion.
As SRI continues to refine its smart tire concept, the successful debut of this system demonstrates how SRI deploys sensing core load detection to redefine the future of commercial EV safety and efficiency. This milestone solidifies SRI’s global leadership as SRI deploys sensing core load detection technology in real-world operations, ushering in a new era of intelligent mobility.
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