What makes EV tires different, and can you really have it all!
Electric vehicles, otherwise known as EVs are quickly establishing themselves as a true rival to internal combustion engined (ICE) powered vehicles, and as such the tyre manufacturers are reacting with new tires and tyre technology.
While electric cars look similar to “regular” vehicles, the extra weight of batteries, the extra torque from electric motors, the lack of noise from the engine and the desire for extra range to avoid charging means tires need to be developed differently for these unique EV requirements.
At first, you should know the differences between a regular road tire, and a tyre designed specifically for EVs and hybrids.
Check the tire load index
Buying tires that can carry the heavier EVs and hybrids is always important, but it is crucial when choosing an electric car tire. Effectively, due to the weight of EVs, you need stronger tires. You can for example consider XL tires which have been especially developed for use with heavy loads.
| SIZE | XL/LT/C | LT | SS | PR | Pattern |
| 215/55ZR17 | XL | 98 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 215/55ZR18 | XL | 99 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 235/45ZR18 | XL | 98 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 245/45ZR18 | XL | 100 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 235/50ZR19 | XL | 103 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 245/45ZR19 | XL | 102 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 255/55ZR19 | XL | 111 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 255/50ZR20 | XL | 109 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 245/45ZR20 | XL | 103 | W | 4 | E300 |
| 255/45ZR20 | XL | 105 | W | 4 | E300 |
Low friction tires for electric vehicles
A tire’s rolling resistance takes on an even greater importance for electric cars. Lower rolling resistance means increased electric range and higher efficiency, while also contributing to your car’s overall sustainability. Our EcoContact™ 6 strikes an optimal balance between tire size and component distribution. A high-tech compound provides robust connections between the silica and the rubber. This allows an optimal adaptation to varying road conditions, which ultimately improves the tire’s rolling resistance and consumption.
Optimum grip for shorter EV braking distance
More weight also means longer braking distance. A good tire can make up for that, so it’s important to use the best rubber compound possible. Our EcoContact™ 6, for example, relies on its premium Green Chilli 2.0 compound with grip additives for improved braking performance, even for heavier EVs.
Low noise tires for electric vehicles
In the absence of engine sound, low noise tires contribute to a smooth and silent driving experience by reducing the amount of tire noise transferred to the passenger cabin. Our tire technology ContiSilent™ is a tire noise-reducing technology which is designed to reduce interior noise on all road surfaces and leads to a greater comfort. ContiSilent™ helps reduce interior vehicle noise up to 9 dB(A), depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and the road surface. It is also available for the EcoContact™ 6 and is compatible with all commonly available rims.
Robust compounds to withstand electric car torque
Electric vehicles boast instant torque, meaning they accelerate the second you put the pedal to the metal. However, the high instant torque of electric vehicles can also increase wear and tear. In addition to good grip, the rubber compound used for EV tires also needs low rolling resistance.
Electric vehicles, otherwise known as EVs are quickly establishing themselves as a true rival to internal combustion engined (ICE) powered vehicles, and as such the tyre manufacturers are reacting with new tires and tyre technology, of course including our factory.
While electric cars look similar to “regular” vehicles, the extra weight of batteries, the extra torque from electric motors, the lack of noise from the engine and the desire for extra range to avoid charging means tires need to be developed differently for these unique EV requirements.
Can You Really Have It All?
