Electric Car (EV) Tyres

EVs or electric vehicles are driving the transformation of the car tyre market. With this in mind, Pirelli has produced a new catalogue of tyres specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This range also includes passenger car tyres and SUV tyres.

EV and plug-in hybrid cars are typically heavier than motorised cars due to the weight of the battery, which means that the tyres need to undergo vigorous tests and require a more robust structure and compound to account for this.

How do I choose the best tyres for my electric car?

When choosing tyres for your electric car there are a number of different factors to consider. Selecting the correct tyres can significantly extend the life of your car’s battery, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind on longer drives and get you to your destination safely. EV-specific tyres are also designed to consume less energy through lower rolling resistance. Lastly, due to the reduction in noise in an electric vehicle, tyre noise becomes more noticeable than on traditional internal combustion engine cars. Consider a tyre specifically engineered to keep in-cabin noise to a minimum.

What do I need to know about the size of tyres for electric cars?

Wider tyres provide better handling because more width means enhanced road contact, aiding grip. Wider tyres also favour lower rolling resistance, which in turn maximises efficiency. Tyres with thicker sidewalls will help minimise emissions.

What is the difference between an electric car and a hybrid car?

In simple terms, the main difference between an electric car and a hybrid car is the way each vehicle is powered. An electric car runs exclusively on battery power, while a hybrid vehicle switches seamlessly between electric energy and a combination of petrol/diesel and electric power.

FAQs

Do electric cars need special tyres?

There are no legal requirements to fit specific tyres to an electric car, as long as the tyres are roadworthy. However, you could be failing to use the car to its full potential or possibly doing more harm than good if you don’t consider tyres that are more suitable for an electric car. The optimal tyres for an electric car have a reinforced structure to support the increased weight of the electric vehicle, have low rolling resistance and low noise.

What is the most fuel-efficient tyre for hybrid cars?

The most fuel-efficient tyres for hybrid vehicles are those that are engineered to offer low rolling resistance. These tyres are intended to run more smoothly, thereby using less energy than traditional tyres. Tyres for hybrid vehicles also tend to be lighter due to the compounds used, enhancing fuel economy without compromising on traction.

Are fuel-efficient tyres for hybrid vehicles worth it?

Drivers of hybrid cars will notice that fuel-efficient tyres will increase the fuel mileage and battery range of their vehicle, consequently lowering fuel costs significantly. Fuel-efficient tyres will also reduce your carbon emissions, making your vehicle even greener. As with any tyre, it is important to check tyre pressures periodically and carry out regular maintenance to ensure your vehicle always runs as efficiently and safely as possible.

Electric car tyres