Explained: The difference between electric car tires and conventional tires

Electric cars differ from cars with internal combustion engines, not just in terms of environmental performance. The main difference lies in the weight: they are heavier than traditional cars. The main task of the tire manufacturer is to strengthen the sidewall so that it can withstand excess weight. It has an impact on the air resistance, so manufacturers are trying to make it as aerodynamic as possible – thus lengthening a remote load.

On the other hand, the weight of an electric car only changes for pbadengers and luggage, making it easier for the builders. Cars with internal combustion engines weigh between 50 and 70 kg (depending on the amount of fuel in the tank), and the batteries of electric vehicles still weigh in the same way.

The sculptures of electric car tires must ensure a balance between grip and rolling resistance. Electric cars being criticized for their short distance in one trip, this feature is crucial for their practicality. The noise emitted by the tires also has a considerable influence: the electric motor is very quiet and each sound source is recognized in the cabin.

Another aspect is wear. Electric motors instantly reach a significant torque, so the tires must ensure as efficient a transfer as possible on the asphalt. For this reason, single tires mounted on electric cars deteriorate; According to various estimates, this difference could reach 30%. This is perhaps the biggest difference between traditional and electric car tires in the long run.

External differences, as mentioned before, do not exist, but enlightened specialists would notice one. This is the width of the transverse grooves of the tires because they are narrower on the electric car.

The need for ecology grows

The tires are specially designed today for electric cars by a small number of manufacturers, but they will eventually develop. The situation was similar 10 to 15 years ago, when only a few manufacturers were offering special SUVs before the start of a major auto boom. Today, all high-end and many smaller manufacturers offer special tires for top-of-the-range models, which have a high weight and offer optimal performance in the control of high-end cars.

Tires designed for electric cars are not the only ones that offer maximum efficiency. Manufacturers are introducing more and more cars of large diameter but narrow. For example, the standard Renault Scenic is equipped with 20-inch wheels equipped with tires of 195 mm wide. Goodyear has specially designed summer, universal and winter tires with a high load index for this model. Tires in this format have lower rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption. The BMW i3 uses similar technology: its standard tire size is 155/70 R19 and the wheels are equipped with 155/60 R20 tires.

"We often ask ourselves about the size of the wheels or the special electric car tires for conventional cars, we do not recommend that, the car manufacturers have defined the rim and tire sizes for each model, achieving the best savings. and performance – changing the size of the wheels and even installing special economy tires will not do much better, "said Grinberg.

For modified cars, few manufacturers have tried modified tires, but some have already introduced specific products or concepts. Some of the specific characteristics are essential for electric cars and it is extremely difficult to find the perfect combination, for example, to provide a solid side wall and optimum comfort.