The wrong tyre can cost an EV owner 10 per cent of their range
By: Tyre & Rim Association of Australia.
As EV adoption continues to grow, tyre retailers have an opportunity to position themselves as trusted advisors rather than simply tyre suppliers. Recommending a tyre on size and price alone is no longer sufficient. EVs place unique demands on tyres due to their higher vehicle mass, instant torque delivery and the importance of maximising driving range, and getting the recommendation right can have a significant impact on safety, performance, tyre life and customer satisfaction.
Best practice starts with always checking the OE specification before recommending alternatives, verifying load index, speed rating and whether XL or HL tyres are required, considering EV specific tyre designs where available, educating customers about proper inflation pressure maintenance and discussing the potential range impact of moving away from low RRc OE tyres. The retailers who build this into their process now are the ones who’ll hold onto EV customers long term.
Higher vehicle weight requires greater load capacity. One of the most significant differences between EVs and traditional vehicles is weight. The battery pack can add several hundred kilograms to the vehicle, meaning many EVs are substantially heavier than comparable ICE models. This increased mass places greater loads on tyres during acceleration, braking and cornering. Fitting a tyre with inadequate load capacity can lead to accelerated wear, reduced durability and potentially compromised safety. Retailers should always verify the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended load index and tyre specification rather than assuming that any tyre of the correct size will be suitable.
Instant torque creates additional stress. Electric motors deliver maximum torque almost instantly, which contributes to the impressive acceleration EVs are known for but also places significantly greater stress on the tyre tread and construction. Tyres developed specifically for EV use often incorporate reinforced constructions and tread compounds designed to withstand these forces while maintaining acceptable wear rates.
Inflation pressure matters more than ever. Under inflation increases sidewall flexing, generates additional heat and increases rolling resistance, negatively affecting vehicle range, tyre wear and handling. Particular attention should be paid to vehicles fitted with HL tyres, a relatively new category developed to support the increased loads of modern EVs and large SUVs. Maintaining the manufacturer’s specified pressure is essential, since even modest under inflation can significantly reduce the tyre’s effective load carrying capability and increase heat generation.
Rolling resistance and range. Lower Rolling Resistance Coefficient values require less energy to keep the vehicle moving, and every increase in rolling resistance translates directly into increased energy consumption and reduced driving range. When a retailer replaces an OE EV tyre with a conventional tyre that has higher rolling resistance, the customer may experience reduced range, increased energy consumption, more frequent charging and higher operating costs. A customer who loses 5 to 10 per cent of their vehicle’s range after a tyre replacement is unlikely to be satisfied, even if the replacement tyre initially appeared to be good value.
EV tyre replacement requires a more technical approach than traditional fitments. For tyre retailers, understanding load, pressure and efficiency requirements is what protects customer safety, preserves EV performance and keeps EV owners coming back.
With thanks to Continental Tyres Australia.
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