With the rise of electric cars, dedicated tires abound on specialized websites or in auto centers. What do they bring? Let’s find out!
Not just round and black as Michelin likes to remind us, tires are crucial on a car. They are a guarantee of safety and comfort on board, as well as performance and efficiency.
While these criteria are important for all cars, regardless of their energy source, they are even more essential for electric cars: with the instant torque of their mechanics and the heavier weight due to the batteries, they place strong demands on tires. Also, the rolling resistance of these tires has an impact on consumption, and therefore on the total range of a car.
The challenge is considerable for manufacturers, who must offer the most balanced performance possible.
Read also
What is the maintenance cost of an electric car?
What is an electric car tire?
There are numerous parameters to consider for electric cars. Due to their heavier weight and the quicker arrival of torque compared to a gasoline car, the tread is generally wider. This affects both rolling and aerodynamic resistance, leading to increased consumption. Additionally, the torque distribution requires a different rubber compound to ensure the best possible traction. The more grip a tire has, the more energy it will consume to move forward. Conversely, a tire with less rolling resistance favors fuel efficiency and tire longevity but increases braking distances and compromises handling.
Read also
Everything you need to know before buying an electric car