The huge demand for electric vehicles (EVs) means that more and more Brits are plugging in but how many EV owners have considered if their electric vehicle requires a different type of tyre?
Although legally you can fit any type of tyre to an EV. Many brands are now producing tyres specifically made for a particular EV to meet the different needs of the plug-in vehicle.
EVs are heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalent, putting extra wear on tyres, and efficiency is more important than ever, as every kilowatt-hour is needed to extend the driving range on one charge.
How are EV tyres different to normal tyres?
Tyres for EVs face the same hurdles as normal tyres (Cost, durability, wet weather handling, etc) but some parameters are trickier to meet than others. Unique challenges for EVs include:
- AERODYNAMICS: Range is paramount on EVs, so aero drag must be kept low to cleave the air cleanly.
- SIZE: Thin, tall tyre sizes (called ‘olgoic’ dimensions) are common to reduce the frontal area (witness the BMW i3’s narrow tyres)
- ROLLING RESISTANCE: The energy required to keep the tyre rolling must be super-low; EV tyres reduce the ‘hysteresis’, or energy loss through clever low-drag materials.
- DURABILITY: EVs are heavy and cornering forces higher; the tyres must withstand this extra wear.
- NOISE, VIBRATION, HARSHNESS (NVH): Because EVs are so quiet anyway, refinement takes on extra importance.
To meet these extra demands, most tyre manufacturers are creating bespoke tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles.
Tyres to look out for include the Continental Conti.eContact, Michelin Pilot Sport EV and Pirelli P Zero Elect to name three specific models.
Bridgestone plans to start marking its Turanza Eco tyres with a special plug-in EV symbol to distinguish the variant aimed at plug-in vehicles.
Lindleys Tyres & Electric Vehicle Tyres
At Lindleys, we appreciate that all vehicles have unique requirements, and we understand that all motorists have unique budgets.
For this reason, we offer a large variety of tyres in all sizes, brands, and types to suit you and your requirements.
Use our easy online booking tool to see availability and prices for new tyres.