Why Do Electric Cars Need Special Tires?

Choosing to drive an EV (electric vehicle) eliminates money spent on gas and reduces your carbon footprint — to some extent. EVs are heavier than their combustion-engine counterparts, which means they are harder on tires. The extra weight, instant torque and efficiency demands create unique wear that regular passenger tires aren’t built to handle. 

We’ll break down what makes EV tires different (and if there is such a thing as an EV-rated tire) so you can decide whether they’re the right choice for you. 

Why EVs Need Special Tires

Higher curb weight & load index requirements

Electric vehicles all have batteries built into their chassis that store the electricity needed to move the car forward. This battery is essential to an EV’s function, as it’s what enables their driving range. However, EV batteries also significantly increase the weight of your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book estimates that the average electric battery weighs around 1,000 pounds, and they cite a University of Tennessee Center of Transportation study that says EVs weigh about 30% more than combustion engine vehicles. 

All that extra weight puts a lot of strain on your tires. If a tire isn’t rated for the higher weight of your EV, it’ll wear down quicker, which compromises handling and braking performance. 

Instant torque

If you’ve ever driven an EV, you’re probably aware of how they feel a bit different from gas-powered cars. The engine of an electric car tends to deliver torque to your tires more quickly when you press the accelerator. This happens because electricity is instantly applied to the motor, whereas gas combustion requires time to build power. The instant torque makes EVs feel very responsive to drive, but it also puts more strain on your tires when you accelerate. 

Noise reduction

EVs are naturally very quiet — much quieter than gas-powered vehicles. That’s why a lot of drivers prefer quiet tires, which have noise-reducing features like tread patterns and sound-dampening materials.  

Efficiency

When you drive an EV, you’re thinking in terms of how many miles you can get on a charge, rather than gas mileage. Stretching that charge as far as possible means picking out tires that have low rolling resistance. Rolling resistance refers to the friction between the tire and the road that resists forward motion. The less resistance, the less energy your motor has to use to keep the car moving. 

You may not immediately notice the difference when driving on a lower rolling resistance tire, but they do tend to increase the overall range of a car. 

What Are EV-Rated Tires?

An EV-rated tire is one designed with features that make it optimal for electric vehicles. Most passenger tires have UTQG ratings, but manufacturers specify certain models as optimal for an electric vehicle. They may call them an “EV-rated tire,” but this isn’t an official rating; it’s currently a designation specifying that a tire has qualities that make it optimal for EVs. 

EV Tires vs Regular Tires

An EV tire is constructed with the unique qualities of an electric car in mind. Some of the features you’ll find on EV tires are:

• A lower rolling resistance to extend effective range
• Higher load rating (check your EV’s recommended tire load rating in the manual)
• Tougher tread compounds to handle the extra torque the engine applies to the tire
• Noise reduction technology to complement an EV’s natural quietness

It’s entirely possible to find a set of regular tires not marked as EV tires that are still great choices for EVs. If a tire has a load index rating that matches your vehicle’s specifications, it may be a great choice for an EV. 

But regular tires may have different intended purposes that may eliminate them as options for your vehicle. For example, performance tires are built for grip and responsiveness, often at the cost of treadwear, and many aren't rated for the extra load and torque an EV puts on them. Some performance tires may wear out even faster than they would on a gas-powered car.

See Tire Agent’s list of some of the best tires for electric vehicles. 

Why Tires Wear Faster on EV Cars

EV cars are harder on tires than gas-powered vehicles because of the extra weight from the batteries and torque during acceleration. Unfortunately, this is the reality of driving an EV: Sharper acceleration and stopping of a heavier object requires greater strain on your tires. 

EV tires don’t prevent this, but they are made to help offset those factors. A common complaint among electric vehicle drivers is that their tires don’t last as long as advertised, as Consumer Reports found. Their survey found that 25% of EV drivers were surprised by how fast their tires wear. 

FAQs About EV Tires

Can I use EV tires on a regular car? 

Yes, you can use EV tires on a gas-powered car, but they may be overkill for your situation. You should always meet the manufacturer's recommended specifications for tires. If an EV tire matches your gas-powered car's specs, it's fine to use. That said, EV tires are often built with tougher construction and higher load ratings to handle extra weight and torque. If your gas car doesn't need that much capability, the stiffer construction can make the ride feel firmer than a standard tire designed for your vehicle. 

Can you put regular tires on an EV car?

Yes, you can also put regular tires on an EV car. Just because a tire isn’t considered “EV rated” by a manufacturer doesn’t mean it won’t work with an electric vehicle. As long as you’re purchasing a tire with a size and specifications that match your EV, you’ll be able to drive on it. 

How long do tires last on electric cars?

You can expect tires to wear down faster on an electric car because of the heavier load. Consumer Reports found that 30% of its community reported replacing tires on an EV sooner than they expected. We should note that a treadwear warranty isn’t a guarantee of mileage; it’s prorated protection if your tread wears out before warranted mileage under normal driving conditions. EV-specific factors like extra weight and torque can cause tires to wear faster than projected mileage. 

How much do EV tires cost vs regular tires?

EV tires tend to cost a bit more than regular tires because higher load-rated tires need more materials. That said, prices vary based on size and manufacturer. To compare prices, you can use our shopping tool, which will recommend dozens (sometimes hundreds, depending on make, model and availability) of tires for your vehicle. Just enter your vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle’s trim level. Compare and sort based on a variety of factors, including price. 

What tire specs should I look for when shopping for EV tires?

When shopping for EV tires, look for a tire that has a higher load rating, low rolling resistance, and a good treadwear rating. What does all of that mean? We’ve linked resources that explain tire load index, rolling resistance, and UTQG treadwear ratings. To find the best tires for your EV, from any page, select Shop Tires and Wheels. Enter your vehicle specifications (don’t guess — make sure you understand how trim level affects tire size). 

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