When shopping for new tires, you’ll realize you have endless options. Currently, some of the choices include performance tires, all-terrain tires, all-season tires, and low profile tires. Shopping for regular tires involves a list of requirements. However, there are different things to consider when buying tires for your electric vehicle.

Special tires for an electric vehicle

A similarity shared between electric and regular car tires is the fact that they must offer the best performance, efficiency, and comfort possible. However, their differences force manufacturers to make adjustments to the tires they produce for electric cars.

Weight is one factor that requires electric vehicles to have special tires. The extra mass of EVs puts the tires under more strain. Electric vehicle tires need to have stronger sidewalls to cope with this weight. The vehicle’s heavy battery increases the load, too. Manufacturers must design the tire cavity’s shape to help the tread remain in contact with the road.

The tread is even more vital since it determines the vehicle’s grip and rolling resistance. It’s also responsible for making EV tires quieter than those used with regular cars. To achieve this, the individual block and groove sizes must be analyzed to ensure they deliver the best compromise.

A few tire manufacturers produce EV-specific tires. For example, Michelin exclusively designed its Energy E-V tire for electric vehicles. The tire is meant to reduce interior noise by 40% and rolling resistance by 20%, which adds four miles to your car’s range.

Several electric models, however, opt for high-performance tires instead of wheels specially made for electric vehicles. Goodyear, for instance, suggests tires that focus on sport performance as well as a quiet ride. Because of these differences, you should consider specific things when shopping for new EV tires.

Tire considerations for your electric vehicle

To ensure the best driving experience possible, you need tires that meet electric vehicles’ requirements. Range is crucial with EVs, and you’ll need wheels that help extend it. On top of that, the lack of an engine means electric vehicles are virtually silent. The absence of engine noise means you can hear more road noise.

The tires must be durable to withstand your electric vehicle’s extra weight and instant torque. To help them offer more range and a quieter ride, your wheels will be made from different materials. They will likely be larger, wider, or narrower.

These differences mean electric vehicle tires will cost more than regular ones. When replacing your wheels, it’s best to replace them with a make similar to the ones you bought your electric vehicle with. Opting for cheaper tires will likely make you replace them more frequently.

When purchasing new tires, take your time and do your research. This will ensure that you’ll get wheels with excellent handling, limited rolling resistance, and overall great driving experience.