Electric vehicles, or EVs, are growing in popularity thanks to their style, efficiency, and performance. EVs differ from gas-powered vehicles in several ways, starting with their power sources. EVs use electricity stored in a battery pack to power an electric motor, while gas cars rely on an internal combustion engine (ICE) that burns gasoline or diesel. This fundamental difference in how they are powered means that EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, EVs typically offer quieter operation due to the absence of an engine and exhaust noise, and they often provide instant torque from the electric motor, resulting in smoother and more responsive acceleration.
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, ensuring you have the right tires is essential for maximizing performance, efficiency, and range. In our Electric Vehicle Tire Buying Guide, we’ll explore the unique requirements of EV tires, from enhanced durability to improved rolling resistance to ride comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or new to the world of electric driving, this guide will help you navigate the best tire options to suit your vehicle and driving needs. Let’s look at what makes EV tires different and how to choose the perfect set for your ride.
What are EVs?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are automobiles powered entirely or partially by electricity, using an electric motor and a battery pack instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. They offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, producing zero tailpipe emissions and often providing lower operating costs. EVs come in various forms, including fully electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), each with unique benefits and characteristics.
How are they different from gas cars?
Another significant difference is the way EVs are refueled compared to gas cars. Instead of visiting a gas station, EV owners charge their vehicles by plugging them into an electric power source. Charging can be done at home using a standard electrical outlet, a dedicated EV home charger, or public charging stations. Charging time can vary depending on the power source and the vehicle's battery capacity, ranging from several hours with a home charger to as little as 30 minutes at fast-charging stations. This difference in refueling requires some adjustment regarding planning for longer trips and ensuring access to charging options.
Maintenance requirements for EVs also differ significantly from gas-powered vehicles. Since EVs have fewer moving parts - eliminating ICE’s components like oil filters, spark plugs, and exhaust systems - they often require less frequent maintenance and can have lower overall maintenance costs. However, EV owners must pay attention to the health of the battery pack, which can degrade over time and may need replacement. In addition, the regenerative braking systems in EVs can lead to less wear on brake pads than in gas cars, further reducing maintenance needs. Overall, the differences in power sources, refueling, and maintenance make EVs distinct from their gas-powered counterparts, offering unique advantages and considerations for drivers.
Are EVs and Hybrids the same thing?
Understandably, people get a little confused by the definitions of EVs and hybrids, but they’re two distinctly different technologies. A hybrid uses an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, each with its own battery (although the battery pack for the electric motors on a hybrid is smaller than that of an EV). On the other hand, EVs rely solely on electric power and their battery pack, with no internal combustion engine. Contrarily, a plug-in hybrid has an internal combustion engine, and a larger battery pack, and can run solely on battery power (with a shorter range than an EV though).
What are EV tires?
With the difference between the EVs and gasoline-fuelled cars cleared, you need a different set of tires to extract optimum performance out of your electric vehicle. EV tires are specially designed with the specific requirements of electric vehicles in mind, including a focus on performance, efficiency, durability, and range.
Why are EV tires different?
EVs and standard tires are different as they serve different purposes. While gasoline-fueled cars have engines, EVs have batteries and electric motors; their positioning is also different, which makes it essential for tire manufacturers to roll out EV-specific tires that offer superior efficiency, optimized weight distribution, low friction, controlled NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, & Harshness), long-lasting tread, and a reasonable price tag.
Among various factors, the difference in throttle push is the prime reason these tires differ in their traits. While gasoline-fueled cars get gradual power from the engine, EVs receive instant torque, leading to increased tire wear and shorter tread life. To overcome these challenges, EV tires are unique in their characteristics than the standard ones and offer:
- High durability to withstand instant torque without compromising safety
- Lighter weight to support long-range
- Low rolling resistance for higher efficiency
- Special rubber compound to reduce friction and boost wearability
- Extra foam to reduce noise levels for a quiet and comfortable ride
- High focus on regenerative braking for long battery range
- Special tread design for excellent control
- Eco-friendly construction to reduce environmental impact
The above features make EV tires a must-have for your EVs if you wish to gain optimum performance out of your electric vehicle.
What are the best EV tires?
Here’s a handpicked list of the best EV tires that assure excellent performance year-round.
1. Bridgestone Turanza EV
Drivers of electric vehicles and hybrids look for tires that complement the driving dynamics. They need a perfect set of tires that are optimize driving performance, extend drive range, and maintain comfort by controlling noise levels and vibrations. The Bridgestone Turanza EV is one of the top-rated EV tires with an excellent average SimpleScore of 9.5 and meets the expectations of these drivers, sporting a futuristic design and sustainable construction. This grand touring all-season tire is an exceptional choice for popular EVs and hybrids like the Tesla Model Y, S, 3, X, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It is engineered and designed for higher loads and torques of the EVs and prevents premature wear.
The good thing is that it's backed by a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty (conditions apply) and also supports the use of 50% renewable and recycled materials to affirm the brand's concern for the environment and dedication towards sustainability. While the next-generation rubber compound featuring new PeakLife polymer technology improves performance and wear life, the solid rib design and full-depth 3D sipes enhance steering response and controllability year-round. For a whisper-quiet ride and enhanced comfort, the Turanza EV uses cutting-edge QuietTrack Technology. This EV tire is also wet weather-ready and provides confident control in wet conditions. These outstanding features and capabilities accredit this tire with individual scores of 8.6 in longevity, 9.9 in handling, and 9.7 in traction.
2. Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Elect
If you own a new generation electric vehicle and want a set of tires that can compliment your vehicle while offering excellent performance, take a look at the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Elect. This excellent EV tire stands out due to Pirelli’s commitment to innovative, environmentally-friendly solutions without compromising on performance. Designed for use on CUVs and SUVs, it features a low rolling resistance pattern to enhance battery efficiency and extend vehicle range plus a specialized tread pattern that delivers exceptional traction and stability year-round. Additionally, the tire is engineered to minimize road noise, offering a quieter, more comfortable ride making it a well-rounded tire. The tire scored an average SimplesScore of 8.9 and truly shines in handling and traction with a score of 9 each, followed by an 8.5 in longevity. The Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Elect offers a perfect blend of eco-friendliness, advanced technology, and all-season performance.
3. Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect
The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect is a powerhouse tire that’s specially designed for use on EVs by drivers who want confident control and enhanced performance along with a quiet ride. As an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, the P Zero All Season Plus Elect is built using Pirelli’s Elect technology, and a variable tension control nylon belt layer that reduces road noise up to 20%. With an average SimpleScore of 9.7 out of 10, the tire shines in traction and handling with impressive scores of 9.9 each. While the four wide grooves reduce the risk of hydroplaning for enhanced wet traction, large outer blocks paired with horizontal shoulder sipes boost responsive handling. In longevity too, the tire scores an excellent 9.1 thanks to a special rubber compound and a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
4. Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 SCT
Talk of the best tires for EVs isn't complete without including the American-made Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 SCT. This ultra-high-performance all-season electric vehicle tire is built using sustainable materials and offers improved rolling resistance and long-lasting tread life. It pairs well with the emerging EV sedans and CUVs like the Tesla Models 3, Y, and S, Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 e-Tron, and more. Similar to the Bridgestone Turanza EV in this list, the ElectricDrive 2 SCT is also built using at least 50% sustainable materials. Quieter rides and exceptional wet road performance are the two noteworthy features of this tire, and it utilizes Goodyear's patented SoundComfort Technology to reduce interior vehicle noise. While its asymmetric tread pattern is optimized for improved grip and steering response on wet and dry roads, the long-lasting tread compound helps in getting more miles out of the tires. For reduced aerodynamic drag and lower rolling resistance, Goodyear has featured the tire with aerodynamic sidewalls and an innovative rubber compound. All the above features, technologies, and abilities award this EV tire an excellent average SimpleScore of 9.1 out of 10, while the individual scores of longevity, handling, and traction are 8.7, 9.3, and 9.2, respectively.
5. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV
If you are looking for a tire for your EV that has a remarkable history of innovation and commitment to quality, consider a brand like Nokian Tyres. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV is a studded winter tire (consult local laws regarding studded tires before purchase) specifically designed for electric vehicles, offering superb traction and performance in winter weather conditions. Made with an ultra-low rolling resistance design that extends the vehicle's driving range, the tire features star-shaped studs rotated 180 degrees on both shoulders to enhance traction, grip, acceleration, and braking on icy, slushy, and snowy roads. SilentDrive Technology and an optimized stud placement pattern reduce road noise, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The Hakkapeliitta 10 EV is a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified tire that makes it ideal to be used in severe winter weather conditions. It boasts an impressive SimpleScore of 9.3, with excellent handling (9), exceptional traction (9.8), and great longevity (8.9).
6. Toyo Open Country A/T III EV
Another great tire brand to be considered for your EV is Toyo Tire. The Toyo Open Country A/T III EV is an all-terrain tire specifically designed for electric trucks and SUVs. Made with an advanced rubber compound, the Toyo tire features an optimized tread pattern that caters to the unique needs of EVs, helps provide rapid acceleration, and handles increased vehicle weight with ease. The tire boasts a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, indicating superior performance in extreme winter weather conditions. Additionally, the innovative AeroWing sidewall technology optimizes aerodynamics and reduces rolling resistance, which enhances fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. The tire’s SimpleScore boasts an excellent average SimpleScore of 9.2 with durability, longevity, and traction scores of 8.2, 9.8, and 9.9, respectively.
7. Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S
Due to the high torque of EVs, tires must be both silent enough to preserve the quiet running sound and abrasion-resistant enough to endure the high torque. Yokohama is developing tires that satisfy these and additional specifications for electric cars. If you are looking for a long-lasting all-season tire for your EV, consider the Yokohama Advan Sport EV A/S which has long, reliable treadwear that is hard to find in an EV-specific tire. Z grooves and wavy sipes boost traction in rain and snow, while increased sidewall stiffness provides responsive handling. The four-pitch tread variation reduces pattern noise, while the all-season compound - rich in silica - improves mileage and snow performance, provides dependable dry handling, and assures quiet and comfortable driving. In addition, Yokohama offers a 30-day trial satisfaction guarantee and a manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 55,000 miles (or 27,500 miles with staggered fitments) for the Advan Sport A/S EV. When it comes to SimpleScore rankings, the Advan Sport EV A/S weighs in with 8.4 for traction, 8.6 for handling, and an excellent 9.3 for longevity, with an overall average of 8.8.
8. Nexen NBlue EV
If you're looking for an eco-friendly tire for your EV, try the Nexen NBlue EV, an all-season grand touring tire with ultra-low rolling resistance and great all-season traction. The NBlue EV has an all-season rubber compound and symmetric tread pattern for dry and wet traction, while its robust shoulder blocks, reinforced by continuous ribs, provide turning stability and a quiet ride. The Nexen NBlue EV has three wide circumferential grooves that force water away from the tread, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and increasing wet traction. In terms of SimpleScore rankings, the Nexen NBlue EV scores 8.4 for traction, 8.6 for handling, and 7.4 for longevity, with an overall average of 8.2.
9. Lexani Volt EC
The Lexani Volt EC represents a breakthrough in design and performance for EV tires, targeted at enhancing passenger comfort, extending electric vehicle range, and generally elevating EV performance. The Volt EC is designed for ultra-low rolling resistance to help boost EV range, with an all-season tread that offers superior safety and confidence in wet weather. The Lexani Volt EC is designed for the weight, torque, horsepower, and driving dynamics of EVs, with a tread compound that’s custom-formulated for traction, long wear, low road noise, and ride comfort. The Lexani Volt EC pulls in SimpleScore ratings of 7.9 for traction, 8.2 for handling, and 7.3 for longevity, with a respectable overall SimpleScore of 7.9.
10. Hankook iON evo AS SUV IH01A
The Hankook iON evo AS SUV IH01A is a tire that’s designed from the ground up specifically for EVs, unlike other tires that are slightly tweaked and revamped for use on electrics and hybrids. The evo AS SUV IH01A is designed with Hankook’s ProDurable tread formulation featuring excellent wear properties and long tread life (it’s covered by a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer’s tread life warranty), and features an all-season tread pattern with 3D sipes and circumferential grooves to resist hydroplaning, earning it the M+S certification for mud/snow traction. The iON evo AS SUV IH01A is quiet on the highway thanks to Noise Guard Technology within the tire’s grooves that lessen pattern noise, Opti Pitch randomizes the tire’s tread pitch and neutralizes certain frequencies and overtones, and a layer of foam within the tire’s air cavity to further dampen road noise.
Can I use regular tires on EVs?
Can you use regular tires on an EV? Sure you can, but it’s not advisable. Regular tires for ICE vehicles aren’t designed for the extra weight and different center of gravity that goes with an EV. That’s along with the increase in horsepower and torque that go along with EVs, and some tests show that conventional ICE tires will wear down as much as 30-40 percent quicker when mounted to an EV. In addition, conventional ICE tires tend to be noisier and have more rolling resistance, which will eat up the battery more quickly. So yes, you can use regular tires on your EV, but you might run into problems with shorter battery range, premature tire wear, extra noise, and different handling and braking characteristics than with a purpose-built EV tire.
What are the best regular tires for EVs?
While the use of EV tires assures the best performance results in the case of electric vehicles, there are select regular tires that might suit your electric vehicle and align with your driving preferences. Let's discuss them all!
1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus has been a favorite for drivers of sedans, coupes, SUVs, and crossovers for years, and it’s a great fit for EVs and hybrids as well. The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is designed for a balance of ride comfort, performance, handling, low noise, and long wear, with a silica-based tread formulation that delivers year-round traction on wet, dry, or snowy roads along with reduced rolling resistance. The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus features an innovative asymmetric all-season tread pattern with a system of circumferential, sweeping, and angled grooves for year-round traction, as well as interlocking X-sipes and Traction Grooves for winter performance. The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus features a nylon cap ply for great high-speed stability, with a reinforced shoulder for cornering and steering response that’s sharp and direct. Continental covers the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus with a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
2. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is a fantastic fit for EVs, even though it is primarily made for use on crossovers, minivans, coupes, and sedans. The Bridgestone's Fuel Saver Sidewall and tread compound reduce rolling resistance, for fuel efficiency, and its optimized footprint offers long, even wear. These durable tires come with a 70,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty and have an all-season tread to offer excellent year-round traction. With its angled and wide circumferential grooves, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus improves wet traction by reducing the risk of hydroplaning. When it comes to SimpleScore rankings, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus sports excellent scores: 9.5 for traction, 9.2 for handling, and 9.4 for longevity, with an overall average of 9.3.
3. Yokohama Avid Ascend LX
The Yokohama Avid Ascend LX is a popular all-season tire designed for use on passenger cars and can also be used on EVs. The tire is manufactured with a special polymer blend rubber compound along with a wide flat profile that helps minimize irregular tread wear, plus its four wide grooves improve dry and wet traction by minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. The tire scores an average SimpleScore of 9 with scores of 9.7 in longevity, 8.7 in handling, and 8.6 in traction, plus an 85,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. An excellent all-season tire, the Yokohama Avid Ascend LX is sure to offer great performance and enhanced battery efficiency.
4. Falken Azenis FK460 A/S
The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is also an excellent buy as an EV tire option owing to its high-speed rating and load index compared to non-UHP tires. Due to Advanced 4D Nano Technology, this UHP all-season tire has a longer tread life than a summer UHP tire, making it a more cost-efficient option. A combination of interlocking sipes and emerging grooves leads to solid traction as the high-quality rubber on the Azenis FK460 A/S does not get scorched due to massive torque right off the bat.
5. Toyo Celsius Sport
EV tires should perform well in a variety of weather conditions, often indicated by certifications like the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake for winter performance. You can opt for Toyo Celsius Sport, which is an all-weather tire made with dense siping and zigzag tread blocks that delivers strong grip in ice, slush, and snow. Interlocking multi-wave sipes on the outside deliver excellent traction on wet and dry roads, while a silica-based rubber compound keeps the tire flexible for consistent performance in dry, wet, and moderate to severe winter weather conditions. Designed with a stiff sidewall, high tensile steel belts, and a hard bead filler that increases handling and steering response. Wide grooves and traction bars funnel water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning along with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. This tire boasts an average SimpleScore of 8.4. The tire delivers in all avenues, such as handling, longevity, and traction, as it scores 8.9, 8.5, and 7.9 respectively, in these departments. Moreover, you get a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification that assures superb performance in moderate to severe snow conditions.
SimpleTire’s view on the EV tire market
The tire market has evolved significantly over the past decade, with manufacturers continuously innovating to meet the changing demands of modern vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs). Leading tire manufacturers have been at the forefront of this evolution, bringing unique approaches to the market. Bridgestone, for example, prioritizes advanced materials and technology, creating tires that deliver exceptional performance while promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Pirelli emphasizes high performance and innovation, utilizing advanced materials and technology, while Yokohama leverages its extensive expertise in automotive technology to develop tires that offer superior handling and efficiency. Falken, on the other hand, invests heavily in research and development to produce cutting-edge tire designs that cater to the specific needs of EVs, such as lower rolling resistance and improved durability.
The expansion of the tire market has been driven by the increasing popularity of EVs and the growing consumer awareness of the importance of tire quality. As EVs become more common, the demand for specialized tires that can handle the unique characteristics of these vehicles—such as instant torque and heavier battery weight—has surged. This has led to a broader range of tire options tailored for EVs, including those with enhanced durability, better energy efficiency, and improved noise reduction. In addition, the market has seen the introduction of smart tires equipped with sensors that monitor tire pressure, temperature, and tread wear, providing real-time data to drivers and enhancing performance.
Here at SimpleTire, we view the EV tire market as a rapidly growing and dynamic segment with huge potential. As more consumers adopt EVs, the need for high-quality, reliable tires that can maximize the efficiency and performance of these vehicles will only increase. We recognize the importance of staying ahead of this trend by offering a comprehensive selection of EV-specific tires from top manufacturers. By providing detailed information and reviews, we aim to educate consumers on the benefits of choosing the right tires for their EVs, helping them make informed decisions that enhance their driving experience.
SimpleTire is committed to supporting sustainability efforts within the tire industry. By promoting tires with lower rolling resistance and longer tread life, we can help consumers reduce their environmental footprint. As the market continues to evolve, we will continue to adapt and expand our offerings to meet the needs of EV drivers, ensuring they have access to the best tires for their vehicles.
Most common EVs
Here are some of the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) on the market today. This list includes top-selling models known for their performance, reliability, and innovative features.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Volkswagen ID.4
- BMW iX
- BMW i4
- Rivian R1S
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- Polestar 2
Most common EV tire sizes
Understanding the most common tire sizes for electric vehicles (EVs) can help you decide when to replace your tires. Below is a list of popular EV tire sizes that cater to the models mentioned above.
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