The Facts on Electric Vehicle Tires

The Facts on Electric Vehicle Tires

Electric vehicles (EVs) have made great strides in popularity in recent years. This trend has led to corresponding developments in tire technology, with several manufacturers now offering lines of tires marketed specifically for use on EVs. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what you (and your customers) need to know about EV tires.

Do EVs Need “Special” Tires?

Let’s get one thing out of the way right at the start: there is no requirement to use “EV” tires on an electric vehicle.

An EV is safe to drive on “regular” tires that you would use on any other car. In day-to-day driving, you would be unlikely to even notice any difference between an EV equipped with tires marketed specifically for use on EV tires and “non-EV” tires for the same class of vehicle.

What Makes EV Tires Different?

So, are EV tires simply an example of meaningless marketing hype? Well, no. Electric vehicles do have specific characteristics that impact tire performance.  EV tires are developed by manufacturers to take these factors into account with the aim of maximizing the advantages of EVs while mitigating their potential drawbacks.

EV Characteristics

Weight - It may surprise some people to learn this, but EVs are generally heavier than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles in the same class -- in some cases, as much as 1,000 pounds heavier! This is largely due to the weight of the battery packs used by EV motors. Greater vehicle weight naturally leads to more wear on tires. Heavier vehicle weight also means longer braking distances.

Torque - Electric motors produce more torque than traditional internal combustion engines. What’s more, rather than producing torque in a “curve” where a maximum amount of torque is generated at a particular number of engine revolutions per minute, EV motors produce their maximum torque almost instantaneously. This also contributes to faster tire wear compared to other vehicles. The combination of greater weight and higher, instantaneous torque requires EV tires to be engineered for greater durability.

Noise - In an internal combustion engine vehicle, the sound of the engine tends to mask most road noise. EV motors are quieter, and that means road noise is more noticeable.

EV Tire Features

Durability - Longevity is an important feature on any tire, but it’s especially critical for EVs because of the tendency for their higher weight and torque to wear down the tread on tires more quickly. EV tire compounds are optimized for maximum tread life.

Grip - Of course, grip is an important consideration for tires no matter what kind of vehicle you have as well. However, the greater weight of EVs makes it especially important that tires grip well under braking to reduce stopping distance, so traction is a high priority when manufacturers develop tires for EVs.

Rolling Resistance - Rolling resistance is a measure of the friction that resists motion when your tires roll. Since EVs don’t waste energy through heat loss and engine friction the way internal combustion engine vehicles do, the amount of energy used to overcome rolling resistance becomes more significant. That means that EV tires are engineered to have very low rolling resistance to maximize the range EVs get from each charge.

Noise Reduction - To make road noise less noticeable without engine noise to mask it, EV tires often include a sound-absorbing lining.

Tire Maintenance for EVs

So, what do your staff and customers need to know about tire maintenance for EV tires?

In the shop, servicing EVs may require specialized tools and supplies. For example, Tesla has used Bluetooth-enabled TPMS sensors on all of their vehicles since the 2020 model year. EVs can also require advanced diagnostic tools to analyze their more complex high-voltage electrical systems. Tools like the Autel MS Ultra EV provide comprehensive analysis of electric (and hybrid) vehicles.

For drivers, the fundamentals of tire maintenance on EVs are no different from any other type of vehicle. However, since EVs can potentially wear down their tires quicker than traditional vehicles, it’s even more important for EV drivers to regularly check the tread depth on their tires.

EV drivers may need to adjust their driving habits to prevent excessive tire wear and stay safe. While drivers may enjoy the snappy acceleration provided by EVs’ instantaneous torque, driving with a “lead foot” will wear out the tread on your tires more quickly. EV drivers should also be aware that EVs may require greater stopping distances. That means that to be safe, they should leave a little more room between themselves and the car ahead in traffic, and brake slightly earlier at stops.

EV tires perform best when they’re regularly rotated and aligned, the same as tires on any other vehicle. However, many people choose to have their tires rotated and aligned at the same time as they’re having their oil changed. Since EVs don’t require oil changes, EV drivers should be careful not to neglect regular tire rotation and alignment.

Rubber-Inc: A Time-Tested Tire Industry Partner

Rubber-Inc has been serving the automotive, commercial, and off the road industries as a warehouse distributor since 1939. As technology in the automotive world and related industries continues to evolve, we’ll continue to be there to supply your shop with everything you need to meet the needs of your customers, including specialized tools and supplies for servicing EVs. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Published on Friday, January 03, 2025.   by Rubber Inc.