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Buying an electric vehicle is different from buying a regular gas car.
And like any vehicle, you’ll eventually need new tires for your EV.
So, do electric vehicles need special tires?
You’ve probably seen them advertised and wondered, “what’s an EV tire?”
Do EVs Have Special Tires?
Plus, EV tires typically have less tread to improve range and decrease noise.
If you’ve ever shopped for new tires, you may be familiar with load ratings.
The load range indicates the heaviest load a specific tire can handle.
The most common options in the U.S are load range C, D, and E for consumer vehicles.
Related:Can You Jump-Start a Dead EV Car Battery?
Those are just a few of many, and we’re expecting more soon.
EVs weigh more than typical gas guzzlers due to the battery cells hiding under the chassis.
And obviously, that’s not ideal.
This will be especially important on electric trucks.
Your EV will need a tire with better traction to grip road surfaces.
Another thing you’ll want to consider when buying new tires for your EV is the rolling resistance.
Related:How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
As a result, your battery life and mileage may suffer.
Worn-out or incorrect tires will change the rolling resistance, which will impact your driving range.
A Quieter, Comfortable Ride
And finally, we should talk about road noise.
As we all know, electric vehicles are nearly silent.
It’s actually pretty weird when you experience it for the first time.
Related:You Don’t Really Ever Own an EV
EV tires are designed with road noise in mind.
In the end, these tires should offer a quiet and more comfortable ride.
Using a standard tire on your EV will likely make for a loud driving experience.
When you put all these changes together, it’s clear how challenging the task is for tire manufacturers.
All while keeping rolling resistance and road noise to a minimum for improved range and drive comfort.
The maintenance will be about the same as any regular tire.
Don’t cheap out when it comes to EV tires.
