Electric Vehicle (EV) Tires for California Drivers
There are too many reasons to drive an electric vehicle in California. But what happens when it’s time for new tires?
GET THE RIGHT EV TIRES IN CALIFORNIA
California is home to the largest proportion of electric vehicles in the country. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, California comprises approximately 42% of the nation’s EV total (2021).
Electric vehicles are a common sight in the Golden State, in part due to its high gas prices, long commute times, strict environmental policies and government programs that make owning an EV an attractive alternative for drivers who’d normally hop behind the wheel of an ICE.
California’s robust government-backed Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) gives qualified purchasers of EVs up to $7,000 and also a clean air sticker, allowing single occupant EVs to utilize California’s coveted carpool/high occupancy vehicle lane (HOV).
California also boasts the highest number of charging stations in the country, which makes keeping your EV topped-up on power especially easy.
With all of this working for EV drivers in California, you might be wondering: where’s the best place to buy tires for your EV when the time comes?
At Discount Tire, we’ve been equipping and maintaining EV tires since the first Tesla rolled off the assembly line in Fremont. In fact, our stores can find you the right tires for your EV at unbeatable prices, and we can keep you covered with quick rotations and tire repairs to boot. No need to schedule an appointment at a service center or rely on Tesla’s roadside assistance.
(For all you Tesla fans, check out our blog post on Tesla tires!)
While Tesla is based in California just like we are, any of our locations can get you and your EV on the right set of rubber for less than our competition.
Use TreadwellⓇ to help you find the right tires (at the right budget) for you and your vehicle!
What Makes Driving an EV in California different?
While EV manufacturers pick tire models designed for the unique driving conditions that come with operating their specific electric vehicle models, there are few dedicated EV tire options beyond the Original Equipment tires that came on your EV.
However, there are still plenty of replacement options that will fit your EV that aren’t necessarily EV-specific tires—all with varying driving dynamics such as charge range, performance and ride comfort.
On top of these considerations, California offers its own unique commuting challenges, especially in its major metros, which include the Bay area, Los Angeles and San Diego.
THE BAY AREA
The Bay area, with its cool, foggy weather, is a haven for electric vehicles! EVs tend to make excellent commuter cars here (and parking’s a breeze!) on the heavy trafficked highways. Power stations can be hard to find in some areas but newer EVs have excellent range, anywhere between 100-300 miles per charge with most newer models being on that higher end. Setting up your charging station at home has never been easier, either. Do keep in mind that the cool weather can affect your tire’s air pressure; keep them at the proper air pressure to help support the weight of your vehicle and keep you safe on the road.
Or you can let us take care of it for you! There are 19 locations and counting throughout the Bay area to further assist you in all your EV tire needs.
LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles is awesome for many reasons, but its commuting infrastructure isn’t always one of them. It’s very much a car-oriented area with famously heavy traffic, but its mild, consistent weather is generally great for tire longevity and will rarely expose your EV battery to extreme weather.
Considering how long the average resident spends in traffic—the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reports that LA has the highest in the nation at an average of 119 hours every year—EVs are the obvious solution to lessening your carbon footprint, fuel expenses, and time spent commuting.
LA boasts a sturdy electric vehicle infrastructure, with plentiful charging stations and preferred parking available for EV drivers, who also get free access to the HOV lane on freeways. City government programs are also encouraging EV ownership in lower income households by increasing rebates according to tax brackets; lower income individuals will receive higher rebates.
Want more incentive to invest in an EV if you live in or around LA?
We have 50 locations and counting that are ready to service LA-area EV drivers, with the shortest wait times in town!
SAN DIEGO
Much like its northern counterpart, San Diego offers a generally comfortable climate. Being on the coast, it’s cooler but still relatively dry. We know EV batteries have to work harder in cool weather, while extreme heat adds stress. San Diego, like LA, is that sweet spot of ‘just right.’
The city of San Diego is also encouraging drivers to go electric. It has 57 charging stations at 15 different locations through a number of different charging service brands, making charging up convenient. The city website also has a helpful section describing the costs and benefits to owning an EV, including government rebates and reduced maintenance. UC San Diego even provides resources to educate drivers on the incentives and available deals for buying a new EV.
Need new tires for your electric vehicle in the San Diego area?
We have 42 stores and counting in the San Diego region ready to support EV drivers!
Something to keep in mind is that most new cars, including electric vehicles, don’t come with spare tires, with manufacturers including roadside assistance coverage with the purchase of a new EV that provides towing service in the event of a flat tire.
But if your coverage has expired, we partner with AAA to offer discounts on new tires and roadside assistance if your EV tires take a hit!
If you have questions about electric vehicle tires or which tires are right for you, give us a ring, drop on by or save some time and make an appointment online when it’s time for new tires or your next rotation. We’ll get you taken care of!
Did you know you can wait less time in-store if you buy tires and book an appointment online ahead of time?
For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.