Here's Why Electric Vehicles Need Different Tires

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common on our streets. With that, it's important to look at how they handle their tires!

Not all cars perform in the same manner. For example, a sports car will place more pressure onto its tires than a regular, everyday passenger vehicle.

Therefore, electric vehicles will treat their tires differently as well.

Why Do Electric Vehicles Need Different Tires?

An electric car is heavier than a regular vehicle. Furthermore, their instant torque places additional pressure onto the tire during its performance.

This greater mass causes accelerated treadwear, which can ruin the tire's traction and performing capabilities as well. Therefore, when looking for a new tire set, drivers must purchase models that will deliver the necessary durability and performing power, while also lowering the rolling resistance.

But, which factors need to be considered?

Continue reading for a condensed version or check out our detailed guide to electric car tires.

Electric Vehicle Tires Check List:

When shopping for EV specific tires, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Different vehicles perform in different manners, therefore, it is crucial to get the correct tires for the car.

Here is a short list of what you need to look for when purchasing new tire models for your electric vehicle:

Rolling Resistance

Electric models place extra driving pressure onto the tires, which can easily increase their rolling resistance. This is the pressure which determines the vehicle's energy consumption needed to keep the tires in motion.

For this reason, tires offering low rolling resistance are necessary. By offering a lower rolling resistance, the tires manage to minimize the energy usage of the EV. This guaranteed an energy-efficient driving experience.

Tire Noise

Road noise is another issue EV tires need to face. When it comes to an electric vehicle, there is basically no engine noise present thanks to the electric drive technology. Due to this, noise levels are not camouflaged by vehicle sounds.

Therefore, EV tires need to use some type of noise-canceling technology to offer low noise levels. These need to reduce interior noise to ensure the passengers' driving enjoyment. This can be achieved by the tread pattern's variable pitch placement or a foam inlay in the inner lining.

Extra Weight

An EV tire must offer the necessary load durability. As EVs are heavier, tires should have stronger internal structures, which maintains the ideal tire shape under the load pressure.

The footprint enables even weight distribution, preventing pressure build-up on one tread area. This helps to maintain the ideal tire shape under pressure, which significantly increases the load capacity. As a result, this guarantees the EVs safer and optimal performance.

Traction and Road Grip

The tread pattern and rubber compounds play an important role when it comes to traction. The road grip in wet, dry, and winter weather conditions, while the ideal circumferential grooves prevent hydroplaning.

Choosing tires with a durable rubber compound will allow them to maintain the ideal rubber flexibility in versatile temperatures. On the other hand, the design of the footprint will firmly grip the road surface throughout the performance. Grooves channel water from the footprint, avoiding hydroplaning in wet conditions.

Controllability

Electric vehicle technology helps to charge the engine during the braking performance. However, EV tires still need to provide good braking, cornering, and controllability to ensure their performance.

These car tires need to withstand the torque created by the EV, without ruining its controllability. Therefore, when looking for new tires, steer towards ones with better handling and performing durability of the vehicle.

Tire Wear

The significant difference between regular tires and EV tires is the shorter tread life. Tires use their rubber compounds and tread design to optimize the treadwear rate.

Generally speaking, tires mounted on electric vehicles have half the lifespan. For this reason, it is crucial to purchase a tire set which can optimize its treadwear, offering a lengthened service life.

What to Look for in EV Tires?

When you are looking for a new tire set for your wheels, it is important to purchase good-quality tires that match the vehicle's specifications.

There is a wide range of different tire models available for purchase on the market. However, not all of them will work with your EV's wheels.

Therefore, after making sure the tire size matches, focus on the load and speed rating next. The load index represents the weight 1 tire can handle safely. The weight durability range of the four tires needs to support the vehicle during its performance. Check out our blog post for more information about speed and load ratings numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Electric Cars Need Different Tires?

Electric vehicle tires need to handle a heavier load. Electric vehicles place more pressure onto the tires, due to their weight and accelerating capabilities. These can increase the tread wear rate and ruin the tire's performing ability. To ensure a safer driving experience, EVs need more durable tires.

Are There Special Tires for Electric Cars?

While the tire market does not have specific tires for only electric vehicles, EVs do need special tires. Their tire sets must provide low rolling resistance, better tread life, stronger structures, and reduced road noise levels to ensure the car's secure performance.

Why Do Electric Cars Wear Tires Faster?

Electric car tire wear is faster because more load and driving pressure are placed on the tires. The heavier construction of EVs and their instant torque accelerates the tread wear. For this reason, tread durability is an important factor to consider when purchasing a new tire set for your electric vehicle.