You are lucky if you have an electric vehicle. First of all, you align yourself with the global goals of significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Secondly, you must enjoy the freedom of fuel dependency, which whether we like it or not, empties out our pockets. And thirdly, there is no electric vehicle that does not stand out for its ultimate comfort and ride smoothness. So, we hope that you're enjoying this aspect as well.
But when it comes to choosing the right tires for your EV, here's where things get more complex. EVs need special tires. There are many aspects that EV drivers must consider. However, don't worry too much because we are here to make things easy.
What's So Special With EV Tires?
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. Some statistics claim that by 2030, 80% of motorists might drive an electric vehicle. This type of car relies on batteries that charge them from an electricity source, removing from the equation the need to pump fuel regularly.
Their construction differs from ordinary vehicles. Consequently, tire makers had to adapt "the shoes" for these vehicles to match the weight and technical specifications of EVs. Needless to mention tires are a crucial element in the performance, safety, and stability of the vehicle on the road. So, the right EV tires will boost EV performance. The unique characteristics of electric cars require adapted tires that are technically and mechanically compatible with them. How do you identify such a tire and how do you ensure that it is suitable for your EV? Stay with us to find out.
EV Tire Specs
EV tires are specially designed to be compatible with the specific characteristics of electric cars. These vehicles have powerful instant torque, more weight due to the huge battery, and more advanced noise suppression technologies. To match these specs, tire makers build EV tires with lower rolling resistance, better noise control, and a higher load rating to maintain the weight of the vehicle. As a result, the construction and composition of these tires differ from traditional ones.
In this context, many drivers wonder if an ordinary tire will do on an electric vehicle and vice versa. According to experts, an electric vehicle will put too much pressure on a conventional tire, regardless of its quality. As a result, the performance is reduced and the tire tread wears out quickly. So, even if it is technically possible to mount an ordinary tire on an electric vehicle, drivers will experience more side effects than benefits.
On the other extreme, an EV tire can also technically be mounted on a regular vehicle. But the drivers will feel performance deficiencies anyway. EV tires on a regular car would be like using flip-flops for jogging.
Are There Different Types Of EV Tires?
The short answer is yes. Just as regular tires are divided into different types, so are those for electric vehicles. This means that EV owners will have to decide between summer, all-season, winter, UHP, all-weather, or winter EV tires.
With these in mind, we recommend determining the weather conditions in which you plan to drive before purchasing the right EV tires. Tire makers take into account both the type of vehicle and the weather conditions when assembling an EV tire.
All-Weather VS All-Season EV Tires: Any Difference?
Many drivers are confused about the differences between EV all-weather and all-season tires. While these have a lot in common, the 2 types still differ from each other. Our previous article on all-weather vs all-season tires explains all the differences in the most subtle details. If we talk about the EV category in particular, the differences remain the same.
Statistically, most EV drivers opt for all-season tires. These are very versatile for most conditions and come with a very generous longevity. All-season EV tires are a good option for wet and dry roads and also for light snow conditions. Some great examples in this sense are the Michelin Primacy MXM4, Pirelli P7 All Season Plus III, Michelin Energy Saver A/S, Continental PureContact LS, and Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus models. All are compatible with electric vehicles and promise superb performance and comfort ratings.
On the other hand, all-weather tires also stand out for the versatility of the conditions in which they perform superbly. However, what makes them different is the more significant resistance in winter conditions. This means that both traction and grip, as well as elasticity at low temperatures, are at an optimal level to face the challenges of winter. These aspects are missing in all-season tires.
So, you have to evaluate the weather conditions before buying EV tires. If the area where you live is predominantly humid and with mild winters, all-season EV tires are a good idea. Otherwise, all-weather EV tires would fit better if the winters are a bit more aggressive and you need more snow reliability.
Are All-Season EV Tires Enough For Winter Conditions?
It all depends on the winters of the area where you live. Drivers living in areas like London where it snows once in a while and the snow melts very quickly are very okay with EV all-season tires. But if we are talking about areas with extreme winters in North America such as North Dakota and Michigan, most likely even all-weather tires will not be enough.
Winter EV tires are a more reliable solution for these conditions. Winter-dedicated tires, EV or not, have a much more aggressive and deeper tread. Their purpose is to perform in snow and ice exclusively. So, their full construction and design are meant to overcome the challenges of winter with dignity.
All-weather tires are a bit more flexible. Their tread is slightly less aggressive because their purpose is to cover mild weather as well. As a result, their traction in extreme weather conditions is slightly inferior to the winter-dedicated ones. The fierce sculpture of winter tires is oriented towards biting the ice and snow leaving no room for slippage, stalling, or skidding.
Some superb EV winter tires include the following models:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS 90
- Continental WinterContact TS 870
- Pirelli Ice Zero FR
So, to answer the initial question, all-season EV tires will do in winter when the winters are mild in the area where you live. The more aggressive the winters are, the more you have to focus on all-weather and winter EV tires.
Recommendations On Choosing The EV Tire Type
To conclude, choosing an EV tire starts by determining the conditions in which you live and drive. All-season EV tires are a good idea for mild climates. These tires cope well in rain and sun with generous longevity and comfort.
In the case of moderate conditions in which the rainy autumn intertwines with the demanding winter, all-weather EV tires are a superb idea. These tires are quite flexible to temperature changes without compromising performance and reliability.
Last but not least, EV winter tires are the best idea for severe and constant winter conditions. No other tire copes better with snow and ice blocks than the winter-oriented ones. If necessary, you can consider studdable winter tires for more confidence, after making sure they're compatible with your electric vehicle.
EV Tires And Vehicle Range
We mention once again that electric vehicles need special tires. Turns out that the vehicle's range performance is closely related to the tires you choose. In no case should you consider ordinary tires for this type of vehicle. The right tire influences the way the vehicle consumes energy, shows its stability, and performs in different conditions.
The right EV tire will positively influence energy consumption. Tire makers produce them with an extremely low rolling resistance. As a result, these tires might increase the vehicle range as they don't require too much force for motion.
In the same context, the right size and load rating of the EV tire influence both rolling resistance and aerodynamics during driving. You might be tempted to opt for wider EV tires. While these look more attractive, they are likely to increase rolling resistance. So, our recommendation is to stick with your manufacturer's recommendations on tire load ratings and width.
EV Tires: FAQs
What Kind of Tires Do Electric Cars Use?
Electric vehicles are a priori heavier than regular ones. This is due to the heavy batteries that weigh the body by about 40%. As a result, regular tires do not support this load well enough. As a result, EVs must be equipped with specially adapted tires that better withstand additional weight. For this purpose, manufacturers build EV tires using a more reinforced construction and thicker sidewalls. In this sense, EVs must be equipped only with these special tires in order not to compromise the performance of the vehicle and tire condition.
Do Tires on Electric Vehicles Wear Out Faster?
If we talk about ordinary tires on EVs, they wear out faster. The heavier bodywork of electric vehicles adds stress to regular tires, which shortens their service life. For this reason, electric cars must be equipped with EV tires that are specially designed for the specifics of these vehicles. Comparing an EV tire to a regular tire on an electric car, the regular tire is expected to wear out 20%-50% faster.
Why Are EV Tires So Expensive?
The higher price of EV tires is due to their specific construction. First of all, they include more rubber and more components to make them more resistant to heavy vehicle bodies. In addition, manufacturers use special components such as foam to negate noises as much as possible. Altogether, these features add value to the price tag of EV tires.
What Is The Life Of EV Tires?
Statistically speaking, EV tires last slightly shorter than regular ones. However, they are more resistant to car body weight. They serve on average up to 40,000 miles. However, the longevity of EV tires is directly proportional to the driving style. The more agile and aggressive the driving habits are, the faster the life of the tires shortens.
Do Hybrids Need EV Tires?
Hybrid vehicles have bulky and pretty heavy batteries, even if not as heavy as those of electric vehicles. As such, regular tires are not the best idea for hybrids. The tires of hybrid vehicles must correspond to the greater weight of the body with an electric motor and battery pack. These, consequently, must have a more reinforced construction, just like in the case of electric vehicles. Regular tires on a hybrid can wear out prematurely due to excess weight on them. Therefore, EV tires are a better option for hybrids.
Do EVs Require Tire Rotation?
Absolutely. EV tires are even more prone to uneven wear than conventional ones. This is due to the greater weight distribution generated by the massive weight of the electric body. Tire rotation is essential for such tires to even out wear and extend tire service life.
Does Low Tire Pressure Affect EV Range?
In the modern industry, almost all EV tires are of the LRR type, which means "low rolling resistance". This means that EV tires are built with fuel efficiency in mind. On the other hand, reduced pressure in tires makes the electric motor consume more energy to propel them forward. Consequently, the rolling resistance will increase, the fuel consumption will get higher, and the car battery will drain faster. In this sense, the pressure of EV tires, like regular ones, must be checked and adjusted intermittently. The optimal pressure level ensures low rolling resistance and does not affect the EV range.
Why Choose Us?
We believe that tires are something more than just a piece of rubber rolling on the road. Our goal is to make every reader and customer understand this. Tires can be synonymous with safety, performance, superior stability, and ultimate ride comfort if you know how to choose them correctly. Namely with these in mind, the Neotires team is passionate about research, testing, and expert consultations regarding everything that means "tires".
Starting with our humble history in 2019 and until now, we have gathered experts and professionals in the field in our team. These include professional mechanics, high-grade testers, and competent blog writers. All together ensure and validate the veracity of the information and reviews on our platform. Further on, the products we sell come from the most reputable tire makers such as Bridgestone, Pirelli, and Hankook, among others. Why choose Neotires? Because our passion for tires has turned into reliable knowledge that drivers and customers need for the ultimate driving experience.
Bottom Line
If you are unsure about the right EV tire, feel free to talk to our assistants for support. They will help you choose the right model for your electric vehicle, taking into account the conditions, your budget, and your driving style. The most important lesson from this article is that you should not consider a regular tire for your EV. This leads to poor performance and premature wear.
Also, it is paramount to take into account the load rating and the width of the tire to ensure the best match. You can find the right size and diameter information on the sidewall of the existing tire which has a sequence of markings on it. These must serve as the foundation for your next EV tire.
Do not forget to take into account the climatic conditions in the area where you live. These will determine the type of tire you are going to choose. All these premises will help you choose the right EV tire to increase the performance rating and comfort of your electric vehicle. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
