Electric vehicles are fast becoming the automotive reality. To combat global warming and reduce greenhouse gases, automakers have begun to prioritize electric vehicle design and production, increasing demand. In the future, a move to electric for new vehicle sales seems likely — and nearly every automobile manufacturer has introduced an electric vehicle. So, we'll all need to consider an EV eventually, and with it, replacement tires after the originals wear.
Although electric vehicles are becoming common, this only gives rise to more questions: What are "EV" tires? Do I have to use EV tires? Do tires on EV vehicles wear out faster? Do "EV tires" cost more? We hear these questions most often. So, let's plug in and fast charge for some answers!
An electric vehicle uses a heavy battery instead of fossil fuel for power and, among a variety of other traits like upfront torque or one-pedal driving, perform somewhat differently than a traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle. The demands of the cars alongside the desire of vehicle manufacturers to strive for the longest possible distance on a charge has led to tire companies prioritizing two main attributes: "low rolling resistance" and, thanks to the mostly silent power plants, noise comfort. It's important to know that EVs tend to have their own tires commissioned for them based on a typically narrow band of priorities. Those specific products are what we generally refer to as "EV Tires" and can be found both as the O.E. option on EVs and as aftermarket options.
To assist with range, most EV tires are designed to facilitate "low rolling resistance." Rolling resistance is the force that tires work against, to maintain movement. High rolling resistance is bad for range, as it impedes movement. This resistance results from contact with the road, and energy loss that happens as the vehicle moves. Low rolling resistance is achieved through design elements like the tread pattern, and materials, such as the tread compound, gauge/thickness of the rubber, materials used for belts and casing, the sidewall rubber, and more! In addition, an ideal EV tire is narrower, thinner, and more aerodynamic, with a specialized tread pattern. These features all work together for lower rolling resistance.
The short answer is "You don't have to." The long answer is "You don't have to, but it mostly depends on what's important to you."
At the most basic level, just like categorizing tires for cars, trucks, CUVs, SUVs, work vans and more, EV is simply one more category of vehicle, and just like the aforementioned options, there is a great deal of crossover both in technology and fitments. Purchased directly from a dealer, most customers can expect to find their cars fitted with "EV Tires" and will find many suggestions of the same when they look for replacements.
Not only can you use an ICE tire on an EV, in many cases, it may be a preferable option. EV tires have specific characteristics to carry the vehicle load and achieve the best possible range per charge, but in many cases, we've found the loss in range to be minor compared to ICE tires, and the potential advantages in other characteristics like wet braking or winter performance, to be worth the exchange. Not to mention the significantly wider variety of ICE tires available - even if it's simply an aesthetic issue of liking the way one tire looks over another, having the option may be worth it to you.
The answer might be: "it depends how you look at it!" As electric vehicles are heavier, due to the battery weight, and as they transfer power to the tires almost instantly, an EV tire will also wear in relation to those factors. It should be understood then; that an EV's tire wear is normal versus faster per se, relative to its vehicle type — electric, and the conditions of its use. Naturally, whether you mount an EV or ICE tire, those same factors still apply.
The short answer: oftentimes yes. Due to the many proprietary materials and design elements that go into manufacturing an EV tire, they can be pricier. Balancing rolling resistance and grip is a tricky engineering feat, which can contribute to higher costs. That said, an electric vehicle's maintenance costs are usually low, as there are fewer parts to replace and systems to fail. This infrequent need for maintenance can offset an EV tire's price in the long run, which is something to consider.
Often, the O.E. tires that come on the vehicle from the factory are a safe bet, but in large part, the same mindset you would use to replace any tire applies to an EV. Individual driving habits and local climate conditions should factor into any tire purchase decision. If you routinely need to drive in adverse weather or happen to prefer a sporty, spirited drive to a comfy, sedate one (or are looking for a bit of both), there are tires to fit everyone, and as much as vehicle manufacturers might try, there's no such thing as "one size fits all."
As the number and variety of EVs on the road expand, so too will the need for sorting through the options.
Tire Rack is here to help make those decisions easier. You can check out our expert testing, read consumer reviews, talk to one of our sales specialists, or use our Tire Decision Guide to help find the right tire for you.
Please reference the tire manufacturer's and the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for what can and cannot be repaired.
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