Tires for Electric Cars 101: All You Need to Know

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common on the roads. From Tesla to Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and many more, automotive manufacturers are striving to create excellent electric vehicles that can be used by the larger public.

There is a reason for that! They are energy efficient, offer lighter handling, and have excellent acceleration.

However, for great vehicles, you need equally good tires. But, can you find suitable EV tires for different weather conditions? Or tires that can withstand the larger loads of these vehicles.

What Are Electric Cars?

An electric vehicle, or EV for short, is a car that works using an electric motor. While there are models that still have gas tanks as well, manufacturers are working on improving their electric motors' performance and distance.

There are different types of car tires and various electric vehicles available for purchase in the auto industry. This vehicle type is a bit heavier, therefore finding good-quality electric car tires that meet their unique needs is of the utmost importance.

Do Electric Cars Need Special Tires?

Yes, EV-rated tires are special and they are specially designed for electric vehicles. This is because electric cars put different pressure on their tires compared to regular vehicles. This will result in various problems arising with “regular” tires, from structural problems to significantly increased tread wear. New EV tires are manufactured to combat such issues.

The most efficient EV tires are able to perform in a manner that does not harm their service life nor shorten the vehicle's range. Therefore, let us guide you through everything you need to know about EV tires for sale.

So, how are EV tires different?

Electric Vehicle Tires

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Tires for Electric Cars

With new vehicle technologies, tire brands must also come up and manufacture suitable tires. More tires need to be designed and produced that actually fit the needs of EV owners.

So, the race is on! Who can create the balance necessary to make the best tires for EV range? Choosing the right electric vehicle-tuned tires is essential. But, which are the best tires for EV cars?

Unfortunately, most tire manufacturers are a bit behind. While they are creating good-quality and durable tires that can be used on electric vehicles, they have yet to design tires exclusively for EV models.

What Are EV Tires?

EV-compatible tires are tire models specially designed and made for electric cars. These so-called EV-specific tires were produced specially to be used on such vehicles. Their load durability, rolling resistance, traction, road noise, handling, and tread wear resistance were all optimized to handle pressures in EV applications.

Some of the biggest tire brands (Michelin, Goodyear, and Hankook electric tire models already exist) recognized the need to expand their market reach with EV tires. Yes, they have already manufactured special EV-rated tires.

The Michelin Pilot Sport EV are durable, summer tires made for EVs. On the other hand, Goodyear has created the ElectricDrive GT, all weather tires for electric models. The Hankook iON EV tires have more models available, some are even considered to be the best EV winter tires available.

Why Are EV Tires Different?

EV car tires are able to provide everything an electric car needs, without sacrificing their performance, traction, or longevity. When it comes to EV tires vs regular tires, sadly, regular tires will wear out quickly - and with this, we are not mentioning other structural or comfort issues.

We all want our tires to last as long as possible. For this reason, choosing stronger EV car tires will make sure your electric vehicle is operational for a longer period. So, are EV tires different? Yes, they are.

No EV Tire? - Here's What to Look For

We mentioned that the answer to “Do EVs need special tires?” is yes. However, sometimes purchasing the best EV tire set is just not possible. They can be hard to find or purchase or are not suitable for your specific driving needs.

But, if you do not wish to hunt for specific electric vehicle tires, what can you do?

You need to keep a few things in mind when shopping for tires for your electric car. Let's take a look at why electric vehicles need different tires!

Tire Durability

Due to their electric system, EVs hold extra weight and place this onto the tires. The increased weight will put more pressure on the tires during the drive. Additionally, the instant torque can easily build up heat across the tire's footprint.

This combination can easily lead to the tire's accelerated tread wear, significantly shortening its service life. Therefore, when choosing tires for electric vehicles, it is important to keep their durability in mind.

Look for tires that are able to handle the added weight. Purchasing models that match the requirements of the EV, in order to ensure their driving safety. Check the tires' load index or load range and compare that with the specifications of the car. If they match, the tires will be able to handle the increased weight.

Another problem EV tires face is the instant torque. Search for tires that are manufactured from stronger or heat-resistant compounds. All season and summer tires are usually a good choice, but some winter tires also provide the needed durability.

Just don't forget that the torque of an EV can also shorten the tire's service life.

Efficient Performance

Fuel or rather electricity efficiency is key. Again, the instant torque causes problems here too. It increases the pressure placed on the tires during their performance, which typically enlarges the vehicle's power usage. This is true for both electric and fuel-driven vehicles.

So, look for tires that offer low rolling resistance. What we mean by this is that tire brands use different manufacturing technologies in order to lower rolling resistance throughout the performance of the car. From rubber compounds to lighter constructions, different modes are utilized to improve the efficiency of a tire.

But, why does this matter?

First off, the best low-rolling resistance tires for electric cars will help to reduce the vehicle's power usage. In other words, it will allow the electric car to be driven for longer distances, as it decreases electricity usage. In other words, such models are the best EV tires for range.

Secondly, higher rolling resistance will increase electric vehicle tire wear. Therefore, to avoid premature wear on the tire's footprint, look for models with low rolling resistance. This will allow the rolling resistance to ease the driving pressure off the tire, decreasing the pressure affecting it during the drive.

Decreased Road Noise

With fuel-driven vehicles, engine noise is an issue. However, weirdly enough, it still helps to enhance the overall driving comfort levels. Do we sound insane? Maybe! Yet, there is no denying the fact that the nonexistent engine noise of EVs has greatly amplified the road noise reaching and disturbing the passengers.

Since there is no engine noise to camouflage various road noise, the noise levels are greatly increased in the vehicle's cabin. As such, drivers of EVs need to look for new tires that significantly decrease noise levels during the performance.

The best tires for EVs will use versatile noise-canceling technologies. Some create a sound frequency that minimizes noise levels, while others place foam inside tires to filter soundwaves through and diminish their intensity.

The best tires will negate sound waves in some manner, to ensure your driving comfort.

Most Common Tire Sizes for Electric Cars

These are the common sizes used for EV vehicles. If your vehicle had a rim change, these tire sizes might not work for you.

What to Look for When Buying Tires for an Electric Car?

EV tires come in a vast range of various models. Whether you are looking for a touring tire set for your Nissan Leaf or more performance-oriented tires for a Tesla Model S, you need to make sure the right tires are purchased.

So, how can you ensure that the tires you get offer durability, efficiency, and surface grip?

The answer is easy: you need to sit down and evaluate exactly which are the best electric car tires for you.

As previously mentioned, electric vehicle tires must provide low rolling resistance for energy preservation, better load durability for the car's extra weight and performance, and a quiet drive. However, actually picking the best tires for EV cars will take some time.

Each vehicle manufactured in the tire industry has its specifications. Therefore, what is good for one car, might not work for the other. The same goes for EVs as well. If you have a touring-oriented passenger car, you should not get SUV tires. If your vehicle is made for high speed performance, touring tires will not be a good choice. We could give more examples, but you get the point.

Compatible Tire Types

Apart from the tire size, the tire's sidewall will provide you with multiple numbers and letters - all of which have a special meaning. The speed and load rating, the ply structure, the DOT number, etc. are all located on the sidewall of each and every tire.

It is up to us vehicle owners to know which tires suit our cars, SUVs, or even light trucks (not in the EV category yet).

In order to get the best tires for your car, you need to match their specifications with your vehicle. But which letters or numbers should you consider, aside from the tire size?

Load Rating:

The load rating is the utmost load capacity in lbs one tire can handle. Therefore, since EV models have four tires, those tires working together need to handle the vehicle's weight. Also, don't forget to think about the weight of your passengers and cargo.

Load ratings are located on the tire's sidewall, right after the tire size. This is a two- or three-digit number that represents the lbs durability of the given tire, under which the tire's performance and safety are not compromised.

As long as the load limit is not surpassed, the tire's shape is maintained. The increased weight placed on the tires might deform them, which can lead to problems.

Speed Rating:

Each speed rating will tell you the maximum speed durability of a tire. This speed limit should not be exceeded, as the tires will not be able to handle the built-up pressure. In other words, if you typically drive at high speeds, you need to get a tire set that will fit into your speed range.

The speed rating is showcased as a letter, located after (and together) with the load index of the tire. Each letter represents a speed limit the tire should not be driven above.

Driving the tires above the speed limit has consequences. In the best-case scenario, the tread will experience an accelerated wear rate. In the worst case, you might be dealing with a tire blowout.

Different Seasons

The tires' performance greatly depends on its surface grip. Summer, winter, and all season EV tires all have to provide the needed traction to optimize their safe usability.

So, you need to think about when and where your vehicle will be driven and get electric vehicle tires based on that.

If you wish to change the tire sets seasonally, investing in separate summer and winter EV tires is a good idea. They provide the necessary road grip and hydroplaning resistance and use optimized rubber materials for hot (summer) and cold (winter) temperatures.

However, if you live in areas where winter is light, getting a good all weather tire set might be the best idea. All weather or all season EV tires provide traction throughout the year, while also keeping their rubber pliable in changing temperatures. The performing range of the best EV all season tires will provide road grip all year round.

Lower Rolling Resistance

When searching for electric vehicle tires, it is important to find a set that will save money even after its purchase.

By getting tires that reduce their rolling resistance we can achieve two things. The energy usage of the electric car is decreased, as the driving pressure is eased off the tire's footprint. Additionally, this also lessens the EV tire wear rate, offering longer usability.

But, most importantly, the best low-rolling resistance tires for electric cars help lengthen the driving range of the vehicle! While EV-specific tires are not the cheapest low-resistance EV tires available on the market, you will see that they are worth the price.

Reduced Road Noise

Since the engine of electric vehicles does not make noise, it is important to look for noise-canceling tires. Tires for electric vehicles need to minimize tire noise as much as possible. Touring tires on EV applications are probably the best choice to combat noise, but they don't suit all types of electric vehicles.

When buying tires for your electric vehicle, it is best to look for models that come with various comfort-oriented technologies. Different tire technologies result in the quietest EV tires that guarantee high driving comfort levels throughout the drive.

How Long Do EV Tires Last?

Due to the excess weight they carry, EV tires wear faster compared to the tires of fuel-powered cars. As a result, with this added weight, electric vehicle tires only last for about 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Therefore, when getting new EV tires, choosing durable models will save money in the long run.

Electric Vehicle Tires

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The Best EV Tire Maintenance

Finding excellent EV tires for sale and buying them are just the first steps. After purchasing new tires for electric vehicles, it is also important to keep up with their maintenance correctly.

Even if we get the best all season EV tires, issues can arise when we neglect them. Checking the tires regularly will help prevent a range of different problems, optimizing the set's performance and service life. Stay on top of your electric vehicle tire maintenance routine by following these few simple steps:

Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles is crucial. With tire rotation, the tires are moved from one axle to the other. This changes the driving pressure the tires face and the load they carry, which optimizes their tread wear rate and manner. In other words, it makes sure all four tires wear equally.

Do Electric Cars Need Tire Rotation?

Yes, EV tires need to be rotated as well! This is because drive axle tires will wear faster than tires mounted on a free-rolling axle. However, the general rule of thumb of 5,000 miles does not refer to electric vehicles. Instead, electric vehicle tires should be rotated once the difference in the tread depth reaches two millimeters. This is equal to about 3/32".

Tire Pressure

Like with all tires, the tire pressure of EV tires should be checked frequently. Tires lose air pressure due to different reasons, but driving on over- or under-inflated tires will cause accelerated electric vehicle tire wear.

Checking the air pressure tires hold will also help optimize their rolling resistance. When tires are underinflated, they face more driving pressure. This ruins the electric vehicle's efficiency, causing the engine to drain the batteries faster even if the best low rolling resistance tires for electric cars are mounted.

Checking the Tread

Even the best tires can develop an irregular wear pattern or tread damage. Typically, regular tread checks help determine such issues, preventing the problems from accelerating.

Electric vehicle tires are not different! When it comes to tread wear EV tires vs regular tires can have the same tread issues.

Furthermore, keep checking the tread depth of the tires as well. Worn-out tires are dangerous to use, and unfortunately, tires on electric vehicles tend to wear faster and have a shortened lifespan.

To ensure your driving safety, you need to make sure the mounted tires provide the necessary surface grip, handling, braking, and maneuvering.

Are EV Tires More Expensive?

Yes, the cost of EV tires is higher compared to regular tires.

While prices can change depending on the kinds of tires EV cars and drivers need, the cost of EV tires typically ranges between $150 to $300. This price is for touring tires on EV cars. Additionally, the price will be higher for high performance and EV snow tires, of course.

Still, be ready to spend up to at least $1200 even for the most efficient EV tires, if you want models that will last.

Why Are EV Tires More Expensive?

Now that we have answered “Are tires expensive for an EV?”, let's take a look at why the best tires for electric cars cost more!

Blame their construction and other tire technologies. Tire brands must spend more time designing the best tires for EVs. Manufacturers need to spend more time and resources to produce good-quality EV tire models. Throw in noise-canceling technologies and designs to combat EV tire wear, and the process of making the best EV tires gets even longer. Time is money, even in the tire world.

Furthermore, as these tires have to carry larger weights, they require stronger constructions as well. Electric vehicle-tuned tires are stronger, which drives prices up as well.

How Much Do EV Tires Cost?

How much EV tires cost greatly depends on the type of car you own and the tire size you need. Performance vehicles need high speed tires that range between $300 and $600. Touring tires are cheaper and they can be found for $150 to $300 depending on the brand you want.

The Best Tires for Electric Cars

More and more tires are being introduced on the tire market. It is important to know which tires are worth the price, especially when you are looking for the best tires for EV range.

As mentioned before, electric vehicles need more durable tires, which offer good rolling resistance, a quiet drive, and excellent handling and braking properties.

To make the search easier, we have selected the top 6 tire models we would recommend. All of these tires can be found on the Priority Tire website, where we offer exceptional prices and free shipping with every purchase.

Check out our list which contains some of the best all season tires for EV applications and the best EV winter tires as well.

Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107

While there are no specific Yokohama EV tires manufactured yet, the brand's ADVAN Sport V107 was chosen by Mercedes as the original equipment tires for their EQS 53 4MATIC+ sedans. This shows the faith the car brand has in Yokohama EV tires.

If you are looking for the best EV summer tires, the ADVAN Sport V107 is a strong contender. Its asymmetric tread design, heat-resistant compound, and reinforced construction are able to withstand the instant torque and weight of EVs. This is done without accelerated tread wear and the fear of tire failure.

Apart from its high speed performance and durability, the best EV summer tires must reduce road noise as well, which the Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107 guaranteed. The asymmetric tread design it sports prevents sound waves from reaching the vehicle's cabin and ruining the passengers' driving enjoyment.

Bridgestone Turanza EV

When it comes to touring models, the best tire for EV cars is the Bridgestone Turanza EV. These Bridgestone EV tires combine the brand's well-known line of touring tires with EV tire characteristics to design products for such applications.

With its spectacular 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, these EV range tires guarantee a lengthened service life. Not only do the tires last longer, but the Bridgestone EV tires also keep their rolling resistance low. This results in an energy-saving performance. Additionally, the best all season tires for EV applications must provide traction in various temperatures, which is achieved with the full-depth 3D sipes.

The Bridgestone Turanza EV keeps road noise at bay with the solid rib design. While these are not the cheapest low-resistance EV tires available on the market currently, Bridgestone tires also offer the best quality, performance, traction, and durability possible during their performance.

Kumho Crugen HP71

Kumho EV tires are in the same situation as Yokohama tires. As in they do not have an electric car-specific tire available for sale. Still, the brand has shown its worth in EV circles when Kia chose the Crugen HP71 and Crugen PS71 tires as original equipment tires for their EV6 car models. Today, we will talk about the Kumho Crugen HP71.

While our answer to “Do EV cars need special tires?" was yes, there are a few exceptions - if the tires are durable enough. This is the case when we are talking about Kumho EV tires. The Crugen HP71 is a touring, all season model that comes with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty in non-EV applications.

This means that the tires are strong enough to handle the extra weight of the electric car, without sacrificing traction, handling, or performance. They also ensure excellent comfort levels with their tread design, which prevents sound waves from reaching the passengers.

Goodyear ElectricDrive GT

Goodyear EV tires were one of the first ones on the market. As such, they are considered the best all season EV tires for sale currently available. They are foam-lined tires, designed with SoundComfort Technology, which reduces road noise by filtering soundwaves through the foam. This makes sure road noise is not heard in the vehicle's cabin.

Some of the many characteristics different kinds of tires EV cars offer, Goodyear EV tires were the first to implement. Apart from creating quiet EV tires, providing driving and load durability is one of them. The reinforced internal structure allows these EV car tires to handle the extra weight placed on them, without damaging the tire or its controllability.

While they are not the best winter tires for EV cars, they still generate adequate traction even in colder temperatures. When it comes to the EV range impact of snow tires, the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT will struggle in deeper snow, but it's a good option for light winter conditions.

Hankook iON i*cept

There is not a long list of the best winter EV tires for EV applications as not many manufacturers have designed specific winter tires for EV applications yet. Therefore, Hankook electric tires are almost the first of their kind!

The iON i*cept is one of the best winter tires for EV cars, as they are specifically designed to be used on electric vehicles. Reduced rolling resistance and winter traction are hard to combine. Yet, for EV cars to perform safely, such tires need to exist. That's why Hankook has created the iON i*cept. They offer exceptional traction as EV low-resistant tires on snow and ice, while also resisting hydroplaning.

Hankook iON EV tires also manage to improve their performance and driving strength in colder temperatures. The EV range impact of snow tires is not significant enough to be noticeable thanks to their decreased rolling resistance. That is why the Hankook iON i*cept are the best snow tires for EV applications!

Hankook iON evo AS (SUV)

When it comes to Hankook EV tires, they were one of the first EV all season tires available on the market. Their predecessor was the Hankook iON evo, which is the summer version of this EV tire. But, let's stay with these Hankook electric tires for a bit.

Both the Hankook iOn evo AS and the Hankook iOn evo AS SUV, designed with the EVolution technology, are some of the best electric car tires that offer year-round grip and high speed performance. These Hankook electric tire models are also sold with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty - which is higher than what EV tires are estimated to offer, also making them one of the best EV tires for range.

As the best EV all season tires, these Hankook EV tires offer high speed durability, excellent energy efficiency, all season traction, and stable handling. They also combat premature and uneven wear, which is one of the biggest issues such tires face. The quietest EV tires also guarantee minimal road noise, with the Hankook Sound Absorber technology.