Do EVs Need Special Tyres?

Tyres specifically marketed for EVs (electric vehicles) are currently a growth sector in the tyre market. However differing voices suggest that while special tyres for EVs certainly exist, the question remains: do EVs really need special tyres? Here we aim to discuss what properties, challenges and characteristics EV tyres are designed to address, and discover whether these factors can be adequately addressed with regular or non-specialist tyres.

EV Tyres: Weight

The first factor to address is weight. EV and hybrid cars have extra weight due to the battery pack. From the point of view of driving experience, the extra weight and higher ride height (to accommodate the battery) in an electric car can manifest themselves to the driver as subtle but noticeable differences in handling characteristics between the electric and petrol versions of the same model. However in a more practical sense when relating specifically to tyres, EVs do need tyres that cope with the extra weight of the vehicle, and further, the tyres themselves are heavier too. Electric and hybrid tyres will therefore have a higher load index so they handle the weight of the car effectively. This not only assists range but also offers extra safety, guarding against blowouts ( when properly inflated, of course).

EV Tyres: Noise

Secondly, let's consider noise. At a previous workplace, your author seemed to be surrounded by employees of a particular factory where Teslas were de rigeur. The lack of engine noise was more than made up for by road noise from the large wheels and tyres. Since then, as more drivers adopt EVs, tyre design has moved with the market where discerning motorists demand reduced road noise to match the quiet operation of the vehicle. EV tyres address this in different ways but most commonly with a foam inlay and additional rubber.

EV Tyres: Sidewall & Construction

Specialist EV tyres use a different sidewall to regular tyres, again designed to cope better with a number of factors that are highly relevant to EV driving. EV tyre sidewalls can provide up to 25% higher lateral stiffness and 20% higher cornering stiffness to prevent excessive flexing in cornering and under braking. The construction of HL (Heavy Load) tyres fo EVs can be designed to carry up to 23% more weight than a similarly-pressured standard load tyre. EV tyres are also designed to handle the extra torque, delivered virtually instantly and distrubute stress across the tread shoulder.

EV Tyres: Wear

Given these factors, one might assume that EV tyres will wear down quicker than regular tyres, but that appears not to be the case with one major tyre chain estimating a 30% reduction in wear. The clear assertion is that quality EV tyres, properly fitted and inflated, will outlast an equivalent regular tyre. This may be because the tyres fitted to EVs are in keeping with the often higher price of the vehicle and thus come from premium manufacturers, who some argue have over-engineered the tyres.

EV Tyres: Cost

As such, again it can be argued that EV tyres cost more to purchase due to the extra engineering that has gone into their design and production. Yet it can also be said that this extra cost is justified by the longer lifespan (over regular tyres), extra range and better performance. Given the wide variety of price points in the tyre market, this may be something of a moot point, or at least in need of accurate, like-for-like comparison between similarly specified and priced tyres.

EV Tyres v Regular Tyres

So can regular tyres actually match EV tyres when it comes to the various properties that we have highlighted so far? This tends to be where voices other than the main manufacturers and stockists can come in to play.

For example, Michelin assert that the instant torque will wear down regular tyres and that EV tyres use specialist compounds to handle this. However, this assertion does not clarify EV tyre wear versus the type of performance tyres that are fitted to cars with high-torque petrol or diesel engines. Some owners and independent mechanics will assert that what actually matters is the that whatever tyres you choose, the most important factors are that they match your car's correct size, speed rating, and load capacity.

Bearing in mind too, as we have covered here, specialist tyres for winter weather, for performance, for off-road use and more - these are all important considerations for a motorist who seeks not only the right tyres for their vehicle, but also the correct tyres for a particular application. That means the debate does not necessarily end at the selection of EV tyres every time, and that is where expert advice comes into the equation.

Get expert advice on EV Tyres

If you are unsure about tyre choice for your EV or hybrid vehicle, contact the tyre experts at Dowleys. You can also book tyre fitting online using our dedicated tyre service.