One problem that many first-time EV owners run into is maintenance. While EVs are very similar to traditional vehicles, they also have significant differences, and one example of this is the type of tires they require.

So do electric vehicles require special tires, and if so, how are they different?

Do EVs Need Different Tires?

Electric vehicles behave differently from traditional vehicles. They are not only significantly heavier, but they also accelerate with much higher levels of torque. Because of this, they need to be equipped with tires that have been specifically designed to meet these requirements.

Tires designed for electric vehicles are now widely available and have a range of features that increase EV performance. They not only handle the added weight and torque but also increase EV range and make less noise on the road.

If you own an EV and want optimal performance, they are the only type of tire that you should buy.

What Happens if You Use Standard Tires on an EV?

It's possible to install standard tires on an electric vehicle, but it isn't recommended. While standard tires are safe to use on an EV, you can expect a significant drop in both your vehicle's performance and the longevity of the tires themselves.

While it can be tempting to buy the same tires that you always do or perhaps use tires that you already own, doing so isn't practical.

What's Different About EV Tires?

Electric vehicle tires are designed to handle the unique requirements that EVs place on them. Here are the primary differences between electric vehicle tires and standard tires.

EV Tires Can Withstand Added Weight

Electric vehicles are heavier than traditional vehicles. This is largely down to the battery, which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds on its own. EV tires are designed to offer better structural support to account for the added weight. If you install standard tires on an EV, they will not only wear down quicker but can also lose their shape slightly, making handling more difficult.

EV Tires Can Withstand Added Torque

Electric vehicles have more torque than traditional vehicles. If you've driven an EV, you've probably noticed how quickly it accelerates. In order to avoid slipping, EV tires need to offer higher levels of traction. This is typically achieved using very wide central rib patterns. This type of tire allows an EV to accelerate quickly without losing grip, regardless of the weather conditions.

EV Tires Produce Less Noise

Tires designed in electric vehicles are often equipped with sound-absorbing foam, making them significantly quieter than standard tires. Standard tires aren't designed this way because the engine drowns out any sound that they make. Electric vehicles are designed to be as quiet as possible, and if you install standard tires, the difference in noise is likely to be noticeable.

EV Tires Can Increase Range

Electric vehicle tires have a different shape from standard tires. They tend to be both taller and narrower (but they're still circles!). This type of tire is designed to reduce roll resistance, and this, in turn, increases the range of the electric vehicle. Unfortunately, this means that if you replace your EV tires with standard tires, it's likely that you won't be able to drive as far on a single charge.

EV Tires Offer Higher Durability

Electric vehicles place additional stress on tires. The combination of added weight and torque means that tires tend to wear out faster. The tires designed for use in electric vehicles are better suited to this problem. They tend to be built with materials such as high-loading resin that prevents them from breaking down as fast. While EV tires are sometimes more expensive, they're often worth paying for.

Are EV Tires More Expensive Than Standard Tires?

EV tires are not only more expensive than traditional tires, but they also have to be replaced more often. At first glance, this doesn't seem like a very good purchase, but the issue is caused by electric vehicles rather than EV tires.

Electric vehicle tires are more expensive because they need to have higher durability. They are also manufactured specifically for EVs, which is a smaller market than standard vehicles, increasing the price further. In addition, despite the special construction, the tires wear down faster than those on a standard vehicle because they are forced to work harder.

It's important to note that if you equip standard tires, this won't reduce the overall cost because they will have to be replaced even more often.

Should You Buy Original Equipment Tires for Your EV?

Due to the popularity of electric vehicles, there's now a wide range of EV tires to choose from. If you're unsure which ones to buy, it's worth considering the tires that came with your vehicle.

The tires that come with an electric vehicle are often carefully chosen to meet their specific requirements. EV manufacturers typically invest a lot of money in this process. If you're happy with the current performance of your vehicle, it makes sense to replace the tires with an identical set. However, you'll find EV tires from all major manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Continental, Hankook, Michelin, and Pirelli.

The only reason that you should opt for something else is if you want to specifically change something about how your vehicle handles. For example, some EV tires are better than others at driving in cold conditions.

EV Tires Are Different and Worth Paying More For

Electric vehicles offer many advantages. But one downside of EV ownership is that you have to spend more on tires, replace them more often, and while choosing from a much smaller selection.

Despite the added cost of EV tires, they are worth paying more for. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of an electric vehicle, which means that they will increase your vehicle's performance and won't wear out as quickly.