Electric Vehicle (EV) Tires

EV Tire Considerations

Although there are many similarities between a traditional vehicle and an EV, there are also some drastic differences that make the tire selection process a little more involved. When evaluating new tires for your electric vehicle, Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service considers many factors about the vehicle (including its make and model, curb weight, range, and driving environment). We will also discuss details about your daily commute and weekly driving habits with you: the customer. All of these factors are important to ensure that your EV tires last as long as possible while maintaining your vehicle’s driving range. Here are some more details about the factors we consider and why.

Tire Load Index

The Load Index of a tire specifies how much weight that tire can handle. While this is applicable to all vehicles, it is especially critical for EVs due to their increased overall curb weight. EVs come in all different sizes. However, they are generally heavier than their ICE counterparts. Therefore, the Load Index of a tire should be considered in the selection process. Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service will ensure that EV tire-weight considerations are factored when quoting new tire packages for EVs of all sizes.

Tire Grip

Despite their efficiency, electric vehicles pack a lot of power and torque to bring all of that increased weight up to speed. While regular vehicle tires can do the job, they often don’t stand up to the amount of torque that an EV can put out for very long. When considering EV tires, it is best to choose EV-specific models made with tougher compounds to withstand both the increased torque and the increased stopping time required for EVs. 

Vehicle Make And Model

Like all vehicles, the make and model of the vehicle can dictate and sometimes limit which tires are available to be used. Higher-performance vehicles may require tires with a wider construction and lower profile. It is always best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications in the owner’s manual or on the door placard when considering electric-vehicle tire size, as well as maintenance for your electric vehicle. 

Vehicle Range

One of the most talked about considerations when people purchase an EV is the overall range of the vehicle at a single charge. Selecting the wrong tire for your EV can have a negative impact on overall range. This can cost you time while you wait at a charging station before getting to your destination. How can a tire affect the range of your EV? Different tire profiles and compounds may increase or decrease rolling resistance, causing your EV to work harder and impacting battery consumption. What was once an attainable distance for your daily drive might leave you with lower-than-optimal battery life if the wrong tires are selected. When looking for new tires for your EV, always consider your average daily-travel requirements. Communicate that information to your tire specialist to choose the most energy-efficient EV tires.

Environmental Considerations

The safety of you and your passengers is of utmost importance. Having the correct tire to handle environmental and weather conditions is an important requirement. EV-specific tires are now being manufactured to address the changing seasons, as well as offer all-season and winter varieties similar to those of an ICE vehicle. It is important to note that (due to the different tread profiles and compounds used to handle different temperatures) the overall vehicle range may differ between summer and winter tire varieties.

Other Considerations

Other tire considerations for your electric vehicle may include noise reduction and performance. Like tires for ICE vehicles, different brands and varieties may produce different levels of tire noise. If you are looking for quiet tires for electric cars or EV tire noise reduction, Chabill’s tire experts can point you in the right direction. Performance tires for electric vehicles are also another consideration. If you are looking for a performance tire, ensure that your expert at Chabill’s is informed to help select the best performance tire for your electric vehicle. 

EV Tires Vs. Conventional Tires: Is There A Difference?

In many cases, regular vehicle tires will work on your EV, depending on the EV manufacturer’s specifications. However, the performance of these tires may not benefit the efficiency of your electric vehicle and detract from the overall point of purchase. Tire manufacturers have evolved with the increasing demand for EVs, and they now provide EV-specific tire options to handle the increased weight and torque of EVs while complementing range and efficiency. When you are searching for replacement tires for your electric vehicle, look no further than Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service. We carry brand-name tires from Bridgestone®, Pirelli®, Goodyear® and Michelin®l with EV tire options to suit your vehicle of choice. Each of these brands offers long-lasting tires for EVs in all-season and winter tire varieties, helping to keep you going in every season.

EV Maintenance

Proper service and maintenance of your electric vehicle is another key component in preserving the vehicle and maintaining proper performance and tire wear. Although EVs pack a lot of new technology, there are many components of an EV that operate just the same as a conventional vehicle. All of these components can affect the overall performance of your EV if not properly maintained. 

Wheel alignment in an EV is similar to that of a traditional vehicle. It continues to play an important role in the life of the tires and the battery range. As EVs are inherently heavier vehicles due to the battery weight and additional frame support structure, having improperly aligned wheels can wreak havoc on tread and tire life. Having your EV’s alignment checked and adjusted on a regular basis goes a long way in promoting long-lasting tires for your EV.

An EV braking system is similar to that of a conventional vehicle. It often does not see the same levels of wear and tear on components. This is due to regenerative braking that is used on most EVs: a function that uses the motors to slow the vehicle down while serving to generate power from the vehicle’s momentum and therefore charge the batteries. While service intervals for EV brakes may not be the same as those of a vehicle with a combustion engine, it is always good to have your brake pads and rotors inspected and replaced when needed. Worn components (such as brakes) can increase rolling resistance and begin to affect overall vehicle range.

Leave Your EV Tire Selection To The Experts At Chabill’s

If you need new tires or maintenance for your electric vehicle, Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service has you covered. Schedule an appointment at one of our many locations for exceptional automotive care. Our expert technicians and friendly staff will ensure that your EV continues to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.