Increasingly, the auto market is going electric. While it may not surprise you to know that electric vehicles are most heavily concentrated in California, demand for EVs has reached new levels and it's now quite common to see electric vehicles on highways and neighborhoods alike across the country.
(If you do live in California, be sure to check out our guide to EV tires in California!)
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles comes the increasing need to understand their equipment and maintenance needs. Case in point: EV tires have key distinctions from traditional tires.
Below, we've outlined the differences between EV tires and tires for your gas-powered vehicle, plus a little bit about electric vehicles themselves.
This will help you make informed and confident buying decisions. You'll also be better able to help your electric vehicle perform better and what to expect (your EV chews through even the fanciest of tires? There's a reason for that and now you'll know why)!
HOW EV TIRES ARE DIFFERENT
Electric vehicle owners are faced with a dilemma when their original equipment (OE) tires wear out: what tires should I buy for my electric vehicle?
The answer can be somewhat complicated. EV tires face some unique challenges. Keeping these factors in mind when you choose your next set will help your vehicle perform its best while making sure you stay comfortable and safe on the road.
Some things to consider when researching and buying EV tires:
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Electric vehicles are heavy—their tires wear faster. Due to the added weight of their battery packs, EVs can weigh up to 1,000 lbs more than similarly sized ICE vehicles. Your new tires will need a long-lasting tread for you to see a maximized tire life.
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Electric vehicles have more torque than regular cars, requiring more traction. Tires with stronger grip will reduce traction loss and keep your EV planted, but this comes with a catch: grippier tires require more energy to rotate, increasing rolling resistance (and negatively impacting battery range).
Side note: extra and instantaneous torque is another factor that causes rapid tire wear!
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Electric vehicles are quiet, so road noise can be magnified in the cabin. Internal combustion engines naturally mask the normal road noise from your tires. To keep your comfort up and road noise down, try finding tires with good ratings on cabin noise and a smooth drive.
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Proper air pressure is critical for treadwear, performance and safety. Not only does proper inflation support the weighty EV battery packs, it also plays a key role in maintaining even treadwear and providing predictable steering response. That means you can expect better performance and better fuel efficiency, which is the major point of an electric vehicle, after all.
We asked Klay Donaldson, a 12-year tire industry veteran and our product development manager, for his input on things to consider when researching EV tires.
"Since electric vehicles weigh more than traditional ICE vehicles and also deliver significantly more torque, they tend to experience more aggressive tire wear," Donaldson said. "This is where monitoring tire pressure becomes even more important for EV drivers not only to maximize the life of EV tires, but also because air loss increases tire rolling resistance, which can negatively impact battery range."
TYPES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
You probably already know but it bears repeating: electric vehicles don't operate on internal combustion engines and instead run entirely on battery power. In the automotive industry, people refer to internal combustion engine vehicles as ICE vehicles. It's not code for a cool ride—it's just shorthand for a standard gas-powered vehicle.
There are actually several different types of electric vehicles (EVs). Sometimes referred to as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), EV is typically used as an umbrella term encompassing a few different vehicle types:
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Full battery vehicles (BEV) are powered entirely by electric batteries. They're often just called electric vehicles. Little maintenance is required for BEVs, as there are fewer moving parts compared to an ICE. These vehicles still require charging but don't include a backup gas engine to operate the vehicle when the battery is drained.
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Hybrid vehicles (HEV) use both an ICE and electric motor to operate. Some HEVs use regenerative braking to charge their batteries, utilizing the kinetic energy that stops the car to power the car later. The ICE kicks in to power the vehicle when the battery is empty. On other hybrids, the battery powers the vehicles below certain speeds, and the gas-powered engine revs up once you reach a faster speed (usually 15mph).
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Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are hybrid vehicles with larger batteries that must plug in to charge. Their motors are larger to allow for further driving distances on a single charge. Like ordinary hybrid vehicle owners, PHEV owners don't have to charge the battery to operate the vehicle, as the ICE is still present.
Examples of PHEVs include: BMW 3 Series 330e and Honda Clarity
Examples of BEVs include: Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5
Examples of HEVs include: Toyota Prius, Kia Niro and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Perhaps the biggest incentive to switch to an EV from an ICE is to ease the financial and environmental burden of a long commute. Plus, they generally offer reduced maintenance costs (no more oil changes, for example).
Another reason the average driver might make the leap into the electric vehicle market: fuel efficiency and the reduced (or eliminated) need for pricey fuel. EVs are designed to do precisely this, but the right tires can help maximize your commute length on a single charge.
Drivers who need tires especially for commuting and extending the trip range of their EV should make sure their chosen replacement tires have minimal rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency.
Another bonus to getting behind the wheel (or yoke) of an electric vehicle? The thrill. Instantaneous torque propels your ride from 0 to 60 much faster than most gas-powered vehicles. Many EVs boast performance specs that are closer to track cars than daily drivers. Even larger EVs like the Rivian R1T and R1S can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in times as short as 3 seconds. It's no surprise then that many driving purists appreciate the excitement provided by the next-gen technology found in today's electric vehicles.
THE BEST EV SPECIFIC TIRES
Due to the high torque of an electric vehicle, drivers who tend to have "lead feet" (shall we say?) or like to jump the car the moment the light turns green at a stop will find that their tires do not last as long as they ought to. Discount Tire strongly recommends driving safely and sensibly for both your safety and your tire's sake.
When deciding on your next set of tires, keep in mind that the best tires for you are the ones that best suit your specific needs. This rings true whether you have an EV or a gas-powered vehicle. The tire you should choose will depend on your vehicle, vehicle type (ICE or EV, for example), your driving style, your climate, your preferences, and of course, your budget.
Your EV tires should prioritize extended tread life, reduced noise, increased fuel efficiency and traction. They'll also need to be strong enough to withstand your EV's heavy battery packs.
Generally speaking, the OE brand and model tires that came with your EV are a great replacement option because they were specifically chosen by the vehicle manufacturer to work with that model. If you like the way your vehicle handles off the lot, the original equipment tires are a good pick.
But if you want to optimize your vehicle's performance, from increased efficiency to snappier handling or even tighter handling for Plaid-level fun, the OE tires may not be the best bet. And that can make it a challenge deciding which way to turn.
We have some opinions! Check out our EV Tire Buyer's guide!
What EV tires do I need?
If you want a customized tire buying experience, we definitely recommend using Treadwell®.
Start with TreadwellThis is our online tool that utilizes real world test results and actual driver experience to match you with the best tires for your driving needs. Its algorithm weighs your driving priorities to display appropriate tire suggestions for what, where and how you drive. Whether you drive around town, across the country or race on the roadway, it can find the right options for you. Our employees use Treadwell in-store to help customers make tire buying decisions.
Treadwell incorporates electric vehicle specific concerns, like battery range, into its search so you can see tires that fit your exact needs.
Treadwell® testing on vehicles, which electric vehicles, is constantly updating to scientifically match the best tire for you. Unlike other tire retailers, our evaluations are conducted by an unbiased and credible third party that conducts rigorous product testing on a wide range of tire types, models and brands in Olympic-level testing conditions. We do this to make sure we're providing you with the most accurate, up to date and relevant tire buying information possible.
Do you still need help or want to get started on some new tires? Give us a ring, stop on by or make an appointment and we'll get you taken care of.
Did you know that you can save some time by buying and booking online first? Customers who buy and book online wait less time in-store!
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