Do EV Tires Wear Out Quicker?
The short answer is: Yes, EV tires can wear out quicker than those on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, depending on your driving habits. The instant acceleration, excellent handling, and regenerative braking of EVs might lead to more frequent tire replacements compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Studies indicate that electric vehicle tires may wear out 15 to 20 percent faster than those on conventional vehicles. According to JD Power's 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, EV owners have noted faster tire wear and have expressed dissatisfaction, often because they were not informed about the impact of an EV's higher torque and weight on tire longevity.
Tire manufacturers have responded by creating tires with new compounds, tread designs, and acoustic damping foam to reduce noise specifically for EVs. Many consumers are unaware that EVs require specialized tires and that standard automobile tires aren’t suitable for high-end electric vehicles. As Russell Shepard from Michelin North America advises, "If you want to maintain the performance of your vehicle, your best option is to buy the original equipment (OE) tire again, though there are always other interesting options."
These options include investing in ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires, which offer better handling and performance at a relatively cost-effective price.
What Causes EV Tires to Wear Out Sooner?
The main factors influencing faster wear of EV tires are weight, torque, driving style, and improper maintenance.
Weight
The battery packs in EVs add significant weight, increasing the load on the tires. This extra weight results in higher rolling resistance—the effort required to keep a tire rolling. EV tires are designed to be more energy-efficient to combat this issue.
Torque
Electric vehicles deliver immediate torque and speed, with many EVs capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around three seconds. This high torque increases tire wear, especially with quick starts and stops. EV tires use sticky compounds and road-gripping tread patterns to enhance handling, contributing to faster wear.
Driving Style
The performance of EVs can be addictive, leading to more aggressive driving styles. Quick accelerations and sharp maneuvers can significantly reduce tire lifespan. Slowing down and driving safely can help prolong tire life.
Improper Maintenance
Regularly checking tire pressure, monitoring overall wear, and following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for tire rotation and wheel alignment are crucial. Proper maintenance ensures you get the most out of your tires.
Solutions
When it comes to the weight of EV battery packs, new technology, new materials, and new applications are poised to reduce weight and increase range. For instance, new battery systems using silicon nanowire anode technology will deliver double the power density at half the weight of today’s lithium-ion batteries. Panasonic is collaborating with Sila Nanotechnologies to develop EV batteries that will significantly reduce charging time and boost range by replacing graphite with silicon. Meanwhile, solid-state batteries are on the horizon, promising to weigh less, charge faster, and pack more energy for longer range.
How Long Do EV Tires Last?
Manufacturers are continuously improving EV tires with new rubber compounds and better tread patterns to extend mileage between tire changes. These advancements come with limited warranties. For example, Bridgestone Turanza EV tires are excellent all-season options that offer a limited warranty of up to 50,000 miles. See dealer for limited warranty details.
Goodyear’s Chief Technology Officer, Chris Helsel, highlights the company’s new ElectricDrive GT2 tires, which are ultra-high-performance all-season tires engineered specifically for the high standards of today’s premium electric vehicles. These tires feature low rolling resistance for better range and are made from 50 percent recyclable materials, offering a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty. See dealer for limited warranty details.
Reducing EV Tire Wear
You can reduce the wear on your EV tires by opting for high-quality, EV-specific tires designed to handle the extra weight of electric vehicles. Regularly check your vehicle’s tire pressure to ensure they are properly inflated, as underinflated tires wear out more quickly and negatively impact performance. Additionally, rotating your tires regularly ensures even wear across all four tires. Inspect your tire tread for proper wear and check the sidewalls for any bulges or bubbles.
Finally, although it’s tempting to enjoy the rapid acceleration and performance of an EV, try to keep your acceleration and speed in check for better range and a safer drive. Avoid rapid acceleration, aggressive cornering, and abrupt braking to extend the life of your tires and enhance overall safety.
