Electric vehicles are the future. They have given consumers the ability to reduce their carbon footprint, save on the rising cost of gas, and enjoy luxury at affordable prices. There are many differences between electric vehicles and traditional gas-powered cars, but one difference that isn’t often mentioned is tires. 

Due to the weight of the battery, electric vehicles tend to be heavier than internal combustion vehicles. They also have greater torque and acceleration. EV tires have slight variations from traditional vehicles to support these differences.

HOW DO EV TIRES DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL VEHICLES?

Weight

Batteries increase the mass of an EV, so their tires must be designed to withstand heavy weight. Having tires that can hold up for the long run is an essential feature of any electric vehicle. 

Noise

With no combustion engine to make noise, EVs are relatively silent. Because of this, noise from the road can seem a lot louder. With this in mind, electric vehicle tires have unique treads, sound-absorbing foams, and rubber compounds to minimize road noise.

Grip

Electric vehicles accelerate faster than regular cars. With no process of combustion, there is no delay in releasing energy. If standard tires are used on an EV, they won’t be able to grip the road fast enough, causing a potential spin-out.

Electric vehicle tires are specially designed to withstand the torque produced by the vehicle. They have a special wide and stiff centre rib-like pattern that reduces abrasion and slippage. In addition, the tread has a special interlocking groove pattern that will prevent hydroplaning. This interlocking groove pattern also helps to manage the increase in torque.

Rolling Resistance 

Less energy loss in an electric vehicle makes the battery more efficient. Rolling resistance is the effort required to keep a tire moving. EV tires have a profile, design pattern, rubber compounds, and structure that all work together to reduce rolling resistance and save effort and energy. 

Durability

Longevity is essential for electric vehicle tires. They are made with silica and high-loading resin. Rubber compounds are incorporated to make these tires far more durable than regular tires.

TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE TIRES

Tire Pressure

It is vital to have properly inflated tires. If they aren’t, you will be causing extra wear, which will reduce the lifespan of the tires.

Check the pressure every couple of weeks, and if they are underinflated, inflate them to the proper pressure.

Tread Depth

Because of high torque and acceleration, electric vehicles require more road grip compared to regular cars. Tread depth mainly determines road grip; if your tires are balding, your chances of slippage increase drastically.

The ideal tread is ¾ inches, but ½ inch will work. The way to check tread depth is by inserting a toonie (2 dollar coin) between the treads. New tires should cover the coin up to the polar bear’s feet. If your tires have worn to the point that they no longer cover half of the silver part of the coin, it’s time to change them.

Off-Roading With EV Tires

If you’re planning to take your electric vehicle off-roading, check the tires beforehand for punctures and damage. You may also want to consider changing your regular tires for good off-roading tires specifically built for rough terrain.

Rotate The Tires

You should rotate your tires every 8,000 km to ensure they have even wear and tear. For electric vehicles, we recommend reading the manual for instructions on rotation. Usually, rotation depends on whether the vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.

Tire Alignment

Tire alignment ensures that all tires are bearing the vehicle’s load and that no one tire is undergoing more wear than the others. If a car’s alignment is out of balance, you might notice that its battery isn’t giving the same type of range it offered before. 

It’s known that electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional vehicles. Making sure to take good care of your tires can save you money, preserve battery life and improve the overall performance of your electric vehicle. 

If you’re in the market for a quality pre-owned electric vehicle, EVsDirect.com has the vehicle right for you. With a 150-point inspection on every EV we sell, you can be sure that our EVs operate at the optimal level, including the tires. Check us out at EVsDirect.com.