Electric Vehicle tyres: what are EV-specific tyres and do you need them?

Electric cars and SUVs are among the best-selling cars on the market, but the key characteristics which make EVs so appealing to drivers can be affected by the type of tyre fitted. As a result, tyre manufacturers have developed EV-specific tyres which are designed to maximise efficiency, withstand additional weight, torque and performance demands of an electric car. But do you really need electric vehicle-specific tyres for your EV and are they worth it? All will be revealed below.

Electric cars have different tyre requirements compared to their petrol or diesel powered equivalents. For example, EVs are much heavier than their internal combustion engine (ICE) powered counterparts – so regular rubber which is suitable for a petrol car might not be right for an EV. As a result, tyres designed specifically for use on an electric car have a different tyre carcass construction and fortified sidewalls to account for this additional weight, while also being engineered to reduce rolling resistance, increase efficiency, alongside a different rubber compound to provide optimal grip and minimise tyre wear.

Of course, looking after your tyres by regularly checking for uneven tyre wear, tread depth and ensuring the tyre pressures are set correctly can help maximise a tyre’s performance and longevity. More importantly, making sure you pick the tyres best suited to your car can have a big impact on your car’s handling, refinement and range on a day-to-day basis. 

But what are the benefits of choosing EV tyres, are they necessary if you drive an electric car, and how are EV tyres different from regular tyres? Let’s find out. 

Do you need specific tyres for an electric car?

Yes, it is recommended that you fit EV-specific tyres to electric cars and SUVs. 

While there is no law or rule stating that you need to fit electric car specific tyres, having a tyre designed for your car's characteristics will ensure optimum grip and performance in all weather conditions and in emergency braking situations.

How do EV tyres differ from normal tyres?

EV tyres have a different construction and rubber compound, specifically designed to be stronger and more durable than a traditional car tyre. Due to the increased weight of an EV compared to the equivalent ICE vehicle, and the instant torque and performance on tap, more stress is being placed on the tyre sidewalls and contact patch with the road. This leads to higher tyre wear and a loss of grip when cornering or under braking. EV tyres have been designed to withstand these additional demands.

As electric cars are almost silent, tyre roar is more noticeable than in an ICE car, where the engine would normally drown out some of this noise. Tyre manufacturers have placed more emphasis on sound deadening and noise reduction qualities when engineering EV tyres, making the experience for passengers in the cabin more pleasant.

Electric car tyres have also been designed to minimise rolling resistance as much as possible, reducing energy wastage and increasing overall efficiency.

Can I fit non-EV tyres to my electric car?

Yes, you can fit non-EV specific tyres to your electric car, but this could have a detrimental effect on your car’s overall range and efficiency, reducing it by around 20 per cent. You may also have to replace non-EV tyres sooner, as they might not be optimised to cope with the additional weight or performance of an electric car, resulting in quicker tyre wear.

Are EV tyres more expensive than regular tyres?

EV tyres tend to be in the same price range as traditional tyres you’d fit to an ICE car. You will still get variations within a tyre range – budget, mid-range and premium tyres.

It’s worth bearing in mind that certain electric car tyres can be more expensive than traditional tyres depending on the type of car they’ve been designed for – sports and performance cars or off-roaders, for example.

Which tyres should I choose for my electric car or SUV?

When choosing a new tyre, you need to make sure that the new set matches the tyre speed ratings, weight index and labels of your car. It’s recommended that you replace your tyres with something that is like-for-like – so an EV tyre which was fitted to your car from new, or one specified by the car manufacturer. 

Do electric cars cause tyres to wear quicker?

The additional weight and instant torque and performance offered by an electric car can result in extra wear, when compared to the equivalent petrol or diesel car. 

EV-specific tyres have different rubber compounds and carcass constructions to help reduce tyre wear and should last as long as traditional tyres on an ICE car, driving styles depending. Ensuring your tyre pressures are correct will help reduce overall wear, while increasing your car's efficiency. 

Now discover how to best look after your tyres...