Does Your Electric Vehicle Need Specific Tyres?

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular since they are an eco-friendly option. There’s plenty of questions surrounding electric vehicles regarding batteries, motors, charging points and the in-car tech. But what about the tyres? Are there specific tyres electric vehicles need? In this article, we are going to be covering this main question and explaining all about electric vehicles tyres and everything you need to know.

EV-only tyres are being developed to meet the unique needs of electric driving. An example of EV tyres that are evolving are Bridgestone’s EV tyres. These tyres have been designed to maximise mileage while handling all the power and torque that comes with the electric vehicle driving experience. However, this does not mean it has not been a tricky development process. They must be strong yet lightweight, efficient yet affordable, and of course, long lasting. Known for their low noise levels and comfort, EV tyres are at the forefront of tyre technology. 

So why do electric vehicles need these high tech tyres? 

Electric vehicle tyres need to match the high tech performance of the vehicle. They feature special compounds that pioneer construction methods and unique tread patterns. EV tyres are created with battery-powered motoring in mind, and Bridgestone’s tyres are one that you will find fitted as standard on flagship production EVs. Bridgestone’s Electric vehicle tyres currently have the biggest EV tyre range as Original Equipment fitments on manufacturers including Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen. 

What makes a good EV tyre? 

Aerodynamics – Just like the rest of your car, an electric vehicle’s tyres need to glide along the road as cleanly as possible to minimise drag, and help the car go further on a single charge. To combat the constant changing, moving and shape shifting, EV tyre manufacturers have developed specially shaped sidewalls and tread patterns that improve airflow as you drive. 

Construction – An example of the clever construction techniques used to create an EV tyre, is bead-packing. The tyres must be stronger than regular tyres as the vehicle can be heavier than combustion cars, but also weigh as little as possible. Therefore, the tyres have been developed using lightweight yet highly durable materials. These include double-layer carcasses made from high-performance fibres including new polymers, silica and silane. 

Durability – Electric vehicles place big demands on their tyres. This is to ensure they perform to their best abilities whilst supporting their high battery weight and power. Thanks to the expertly designed tread patterns and special compounds, EV tyres can achieve up to 30% greater durability compared to a regular tyre and a 5% increase in abrasion resistance. This helps the tyres last longer and increases their durability. 

Ultra-high performance – Electric vehicles produce lots of torque and they produce it instantly. Many upmarket EV’s also have four-wheel drive and sky-high horsepower. The electric vehicles corner harder than combustion cars and have been designed to handle all of this whilst still lasting just as long as conventional tyres. 

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