How To Choose The Right Tire For Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles run on electric batteries that are much heavier than ICE vehicle engines. That's a difference of 30 to 60 pounds in an ICE car vs. 500 to 1200 pounds in an EV. This weight, along with the instant torque, requires EV-specific tires to handle the additional stress.

On the one hand, manufacturers recommend equipping electric vehicles with EV-centric tires to address their higher weight and powerful torque. On the other hand, many drivers remain skeptical that an electric car can operate exclusively on EV tires and prefer to use regular tires instead. This section examines what makes electric vehicle (EV) tires unique, whether they're worth the investment, and how to select the right product.

How To Choose The Right Tire For Electric Vehicles?

The critical aspects to consider when purchasing EV tires are rolling resistance, tire load index, tread design, noise levels, and tread life. Chosen wisely, these criteria contribute to the efficiency and performance of an electric vehicle. Here is a breakdown of how these factors contribute to EV driving performance:

Low Rolling Resistance for High Range Efficiency

Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires optimize the amount of energy an electric vehicle uses while driving. The concept of electric cars is to maximize range as much as possible. In this sense, an LRR tire can improve energy efficiency by up to 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Using a regular tire on an electric vehicle (EV) can reduce the vehicle's range, resulting in lower mileage per full charge. EV-specific tires feature special designs and materials that optimize rolling friction, adding up to the distance an EV can travel on a single charge.

What To Look For

Look for tires featuring "LRR," "Energy Saver," or "Low Rolling Resistance"-like labels. Check for tread designs that often feature a more continuous tread pattern with reduced tread depth in LRR tires rather than individual blocks.

Consult with a tire specialist who can recommend low rolling resistance tires specifically designed for your electric vehicle. The NeoTires team can guide you in this regard; just email or call us.

Tire Load Index: Higher Rating to Support Heavier EV Weights

An electric vehicle typically weighs about 10%-30% more than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car due to the heavier battery. This extra effort on tires, especially in cornering, acceleration, and braking maneuvers, contributes to faster rubber wear. EV-specific tires typically require a higher load rating, as they feature a reinforced construction that ensures resistance to extra weight.

What To Look For

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions in your vehicle's manual for the recommended load index and never exceed it. EV tires often require XL or HL (high-load) tires to operate safely, providing sufficient resistance to handle the vehicle's weight.

While an EV can technically run on ICE-specific tires (with a lower load rating), you can expect faster wear and performance issues. So, always match the EV with the recommended load rating.

For example, the tire load rating of an ICE Honda Accord is typically 91-94, which is sufficient for the vehicle's weight. Putting the same tires on an electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 is likely to cause faster wear and potential performance issues. In this case, tires with a 95–98 load rating make more sense as these address the added battery weight and extra torque that require reinforcement.

ICE vs EV Load Index Comparison

_{*The load ratings for the mentioned vehicles are approximate and may vary across vehicle make, year, and model. Always check the driver’s manual for the best match with the tire load rating}

Tread Design and Grip: Managing EV Instant Torque

Electric vehicle torque is almost instantaneous. Grip plays a crucial role in managing an electric vehicle (EV)'s acceleration. Without an effective grip, tires tend to compromise traction and spin, especially in snowy or rainy conditions. EV-specific tires typically feature special (softer) rubber and strategic design to provide superior grip and discourage premature wear resulting from instant torque.

What To Look For

Look for tires with an optimized rubber formula and special tread patterns designed specifically for electric vehicles (EVs). EV-compatible tires typically grip decently during acceleration and cornering, minimizing wear and tear.

Noise Reduction: Silent EV Needs Silent Rolling

The battery of electric vehicles operates significantly quieter than an internal combustion engine (ICE). EV-specific tires typically feature sound-dampening foam and specialized patterns that help reduce road noise and vibrations.

While an EV can technically run on a standard tire, road noise becomes more noticeable, affecting ride comfort, which contradicts the concept of electric vehicles providing an ultra-comfort-oriented ride.

What To Look For

Look for products containing sound-suppressing technologies, such as noise-muffling foam. Consider tire treads with silent sidewall technologies (closed shoulder designs) that contribute to sound isolation. A couple of relevant examples include the Michelin Primacy MXM4, featuring Acoustic Technology, and the models from the Hankook iON EVO line. 

Tire Tread Life: Preventing Faster Wear

The tires of an electric vehicle tend to wear out 15%-20% faster due to the instant torque and the extra mass of the battery. On average, EV tires serve between 20,000 and 40,000 miles before replacement, making tire lifespan a key consideration for EV drivers.

What To Look For

Opt for tires with a mileage as long as possible within the EV range. For example, Turanza EV tires have a limited warranty of up to 50,000 miles. Tire lifespan also depends on your driving habits and road conditions. Consider adopting judicious driving techniques (smooth braking, gentle acceleration, and careful cornering) to prolong the life of your tires.

Top Recommended EV Tire Models

EV Tires FAQ

What Kind of Tires Do Electric Cars Use?

Electric cars typically run on EV-centric tires that focus on:

• Supporting the heavy weight of the electric battery
• Making energy more efficient for an extended range
• Suppressing the road noises

Do Tires on Electric Vehicles Wear Out Faster?

EV tires wear out faster due to the car's heavier battery and the instant torque it provides.

Why Are EV Tires So Expensive?

The higher EV tires' price is due to their specific construction, which meets the EV-specific demands: higher torque, heavier loads, lower rolling resistance, and noise suppression.

What Is The Life Of EV Tires?

EV-specific tires typically last 20,000 to 40,000 miles on average. However, factors such as driving style, road conditions, and tire quality all influence the lifespan of EV tires.

Do EVs Require Tire Rotation?

Absolutely, yes. Regular rotation every 6,000 miles (or even earlier in EV tires due to their higher weight and torque) is essential for EV tires to wear evenly and extend tire service life.

How To Pick The Right EV Tire?

Factors like tire rolling resistance, noise suppression, tread life, and load rating determine the performance and range of an electric vehicle. Can you use regular tires on an electric vehicle (EV)? - Technically, yes, as long as you meet the tire speed and load rating requirements, which Consumer Reports confirms.

Modern standard tires feature LRR, wear optimization, and noise suppression technologies, making them suitable for an electric vehicle (EV). The key point is that while a standard tire typically features 1-2 technologies in isolation, EV-centric tires incorporate all of them together.

If you are unsure about tires for your electric vehicle, let the NeoTires team help you. Since 2019, we have specialized in products for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, trucks, and agricultural equipment, enabling you to drive confidently in a wide range of conditions. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely.