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How tires impact electric vehicle range and safety

© A. Krivonosov
Learn how tire rolling resistance affects EV range and safety. Discover tips for choosing tires to balance energy efficiency and road reliability.
Michael Powers, Editor

Tires play a crucial role in the performance of electric vehicles, impacting not just safety but also range—a key consideration for owners.

Impact on Range

The main factor is rolling resistance. The lower it is, the less energy the vehicle consumes. According to manufacturers, reducing this figure can yield up to 4% in additional range.

Practical tests back this up: the difference between tire models can amount to several kilometers even on the same car.

The Safety Trade-off

However, high efficiency comes with a downside. Tires with low rolling resistance often compromise on grip, particularly on wet surfaces. This increases braking distance and reduces safety levels.

In practice, this means a classic dilemma: energy savings or road reliability.

Balance and Real-world Choices

Some models strike a compromise between characteristics, blending acceptable efficiency with good grip. But a completely universal solution doesn't exist. It's worth noting that in real-world conditions, differences between tires become less pronounced, though they remain noticeable during long trips or active use.

Overall, the picture is straightforward: choosing tires for an electric vehicle always involves balancing range against safety. And this choice affects not just energy efficiency but also vehicle control in critical situations.