Electric Vehicle Tires: Friction Issues and Significant Expense
Updated: Aug 26
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the environmental benefits. However, one of the challenges facing the EV industry is the development of tires that can meet the unique needs of these vehicles.
One of the biggest challenges with EV tires is friction. EVs are heavier than gasoline-powered cars, due to the weight of their batteries. This extra weight puts more stress on the tires, causing them to wear down faster. Additionally, EVs often have more powerful motors, which can generate more torque. This can also put a strain on the tires, leading to premature wear writes J Dean, SCS Director.
The average lifespan of an EV tire is about 30,000 to 40,000 miles and EV tires are twice the cost. This is compared to the average lifespan of a gas vehicle tire, which is about 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
Another challenge with EV tires is the need for low rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is the force that opposes the motion of a tire as it rolls along the road. Low rolling resistance helps to improve fuel efficiency, which is important for EVs.
However, tires with low rolling resistance tend to have less grip, which can make it more difficult to control the vehicle in wet or icy conditions.
The combination of these factors means that EV tires tend to wear down much faster than tires on gasoline-powered cars. This can lead to significant expense, as EV owners may need to replace their tires more often.
Top EV tire manufacturers include:
Michelin
Bridgestone
Goodyear
Continental
Pirelli
There are a number of things that EV owners can do to help extend the life of their tires. These include:
Maintaining proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cause premature wear.
Avoiding aggressive driving. Braking and accelerating hard can put unnecessary stress on the tires.
Avoiding driving on rough roads. Potholes and other road hazards can damage tires.
Rotating tires regularly. This helps to evenly distribute wear.
Tire manufacturers are also working to develop new technologies that can improve the performance and lifespan of EV tires. These include using new materials, such as carbon fiber, and designing tires with more sophisticated tread patterns.
As the EV market continues to grow, the demand for tires that meet the unique needs of these vehicles will also grow. Tire manufacturers are rising to the challenge, and new and innovative tire technologies are being developed all the time.
In addition to the friction issues, EV tires are also more expensive than tires for gasoline-powered cars. This is because EV tires need to be made from more durable materials to withstand the extra weight and torque of these vehicles.
Additionally, the demand for EV tires is still relatively low, which means that prices are higher than they would be if there was more competition.
The significant expense of EV tires is a barrier to adoption for some consumers. However, as the EV market grows and more tire manufacturers enter the market, prices are expected to come down.
The average cost of a set of EV tires is about $150 to $300 per tire. This is significantly more expensive than the average cost of a set of gas vehicle tires, which is about $75 to $150 per tire.
Overall, the friction issues and significant expense of EV tires are challenges that the industry is working to address. With continued innovation, it is likely that tires will be developed that can meet the needs of EVs while also being affordable for consumers.
We hope this article was helpful for you regarding your electric vehicle purchase. Questions Call 440-597-3964
