An electric car is heavier than a gas car of similar size, often by several hundred kilograms, most of it in the battery. It also puts down full torque from a standstill. Both wear tires faster, and both ask more of the tire's construction.
Tires sold for EVs are built around that: higher load capacity, compounds aimed at slower wear, and low rolling resistance so you don't give up range. Many factory EV tires also have a foam liner glued inside to cut road noise, which you hear more in a car with no engine running.
You don't have to buy a tire marketed as an EV tire. You do need the correct size and a load index at least as high as the original. We'll go over the options for your car, including whether a regular tire would cost you range.
What they do well
Higher load capacity
EV fitments often call for an XL (extra load) tire or a higher load index. Some newer EV tires carry an HL (high load) marking for heavier vehicles.
Low rolling resistance
Compounds and tread designs that take less energy to roll, which helps range. Switching to a tire that isn't designed for it can cost you some.
Wear-resistant tread
Compounds built to hold up against the extra weight and the torque that arrives the moment you press the pedal.
Noise reduction
Foam liners and tread patterns designed to cut cabin noise, which stands out more when there's no engine sound to cover it.
Best for
- Battery-electric cars, crossovers and pickups
- Plug-in hybrids that weigh more than the gas-only version
- EV owners who want to keep as much range as possible
- Drivers bothered by tire noise in a quiet cabin
Trade-offs
- EVs go through tires faster than similar gas cars, especially with hard launches. Regular rotations help a lot.
- Tires tuned for low rolling resistance can give up a little grip compared with a tire that ignores efficiency.
- Foam-lined tires can usually still be repaired, but the foam has to be trimmed back first, so the repair takes longer.
- Winter tires will cut your range, on top of what the cold already does to the battery. They're still the right call in January.
Weight, torque and winter range
A Toronto winter hits EV range from two sides. A cold battery delivers less, and winter tires roll with more resistance than the low-rolling-resistance tires most EVs come with. Expect your range to drop from November to March. A winter tire built for EVs, or at least one with the right load rating, keeps the hit down. Tire pressure also drops as the air gets colder, and low pressure costs range, so check it after the first cold snap.
