Why EVs need special tires
EV tires need to withstand the additional load of the battery, along with the inertia and momentum that come with braking and cornering on such a weight. If you want to get the most out of your EV, standard rubber tires won’t cut it.
To tackle this issue, EV tires are made with a double-layer carcass made of strong polymers, silicon, or silica, making them much thicker than regular tires. They’re also typically taller and narrower. This shape and these materials offer a low rolling resistance, which helps improve energy efficiency to extend battery life and range.
Because of all the torque EVs offer, their tires often have a deeper tread pattern to provide more grip on the road.
EV tires are also made to be noise cancelling. Sound-absorbing polymers and rubber compounds create a quieter ride compared to gas-powered cars with a roaring engine.
Although EV tires greatly enhance the way your EV operates, there’s a trade-off: EV tires typically wear out faster than regular ones, so you may have to change or rotate them more frequently.
Choosing EV tires
Consider the following criteria when choosing tires for your EV.
Load index
A tire’s load index lets you know how much weight it can take. EVs need tires that can hold more weight. Most extra load tires will be suitable, but in some cases, you may need a set of heavy load (HL) tires.
Vehicle size and model
The size and model of your EV can also dictate what tires you need. Certain EVs recommend specific tires to maximize their performance, such as Tesla vehicles and various sport models.
Season
The time of year will greatly influence what tires you need. Just like regular tires, EV tires are made for certain weather conditions. If you live somewhere that experiences a significant change in seasons, you’ll need at least two sets of EV tires: one for spring, summer, and fall, and another for winter.
Your priority when driving should always be safety, especially when dealing with winter weather. While low rolling resistance tires are ideal to improve your fuel efficiency, focus on finding a suitable tire for the elements so you can hit the road with confidence in your vehicle.
Professional tire selection and installation
Choosing the right tires for your vehicle can be overwhelming. At NexDrive, our certified professionals are dedicated to equipping your EV with the right tires. If you need help selecting and installing your tires, visit a NexDrive service centre.