Do Electric Cars Really Need Special Tyres?

Only 44% of EV owners feel well informed about their tyres. So we’re curious… Do you know how much the right tyres can affect your driving range? Are terms like EVc and EVr familiar to you? Do you know whether EV tyres are generally more expensive or cheaper than those for petrol and diesel cars? If any of these questions make you pause, check out our blog and join the growing group of EV owners who really know which tyres are best for their car.

• All EV-suitable tyres can be used on ICE vehicles, but not all tyres designed for ICE vehicles are suitable for EVs.

• EV tyres have to deal with heavier loads and the stress of rapid acceleration.

• When choosing EV tyres, consider rolling resistance to improve range, noise levels for comfort, and sidewall reinforcement for durability.

No, electric cars don’t necessarily need tyres designed specifically for them. Most modern tyres are EV-ready – they have “EVc” (Electric Vehicle Compatible) or “EVr” (Electric Vehicle Ready) in their name. You just need to choose ones that meet the requirements of your car.

Tyres developed for electric vehicles can safely be used on petrol and diesel models, while the reverse isn’t true. Reputable brands like Michelin produce lines that either meet or exceed EV needs but still perform well for hybrids and regular cars. They focus on optimising rolling resistance, noise, durability, and grip for all types of vehicles.

There are four main methods to find the right tyres for your electric car. They include buying regular models that simply fit your registration specs, choosing EVc-labelled tyres, opting for models designed specifically for electric vehicles, and selecting manufacturer-approved tyres. 

You don’t need EV-specific tyres as long as the size, load, and speed ratings match your registration. Standard tyres are safe to use. However, they typically lack additional features like advanced noise reduction or reinforced sidewalls for higher efficiency. Models with these extras usually belong to the second category.

They are easy to find nowadays, as tyre brands are trying to catch up in the industry and mention which of their models make sense for electric vehicles. Leading manufacturers like Michelin make the selection process extremely simple and reliable – the ideal option if you have never chosen tyres before. Simply visit their website, enter your exact car model details (e.g., Hyundai IONIQ 6 2024 Electrique 229 (168 kW) with tyre size 225/55 R18 98W) and instantly find tyres perfectly matched to your vehicle.

EV-ready tyres:

• Originally designed for combustion cars but tested and validated for EV use.

• Often adapted from existing combustion car models but updated with compounds, load ratings, or noise optimisations.

• Examples: Bridgestone Turanza T005, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Manufacturers like Hankook and Falken offer tyres specially engineered for electric vehicles. What makes them so exceptional are advanced features you didn’t know you needed: noise-reducing slat designs, bevelled edges on all profile blocks for even pressure distribution, etc. Essentially, they provide all the benefits of EV-ready tyres but with enhanced performance tailored specifically to electric cars.

A survey of drivers who had already bought EV-specific tyres found that over half would choose them again next time.* Despite the higher prices and some confusion when making their choice due to limited information, most people are more than happy with their decision.

EV-designed (purpose-built) tyres:

• Created from the start with electric vehicles in mind.

• Engineering decisions are driven by EV characteristics.

• Examples: Hankook iON winter, Falken e.Ziex

* Source: EV Tyre Study 2025 by USCALE GmbH

For a guaranteed fit, some electric car manufacturers, such as Tesla, provide a list of manufacturer-approved tyres marked with a distinctive “T” at the centre. For Tesla vehicles, these are typically Pirelli models. Choosing tyres from such a list gives you peace of mind and eliminates any guesswork. However, expect these to be models in the higher price range.

Just like for petrol vehicles, specifications for electric car tyres are mentioned in the vehicle registration certificate and the CoC document. The main information you’re supposed to find there is the tyre width in millimetres, aspect ratio, radial construction, rim diameter in inches, load index and speed rating.

Electric car tyres are stronger to support heavy batteries. Besides, they are designed to handle instant torque for quick acceleration, engineered to reduce road noise in quieter vehicles, and built for improved heat dissipation to prevent damage from friction and extra weight.

• Heavy batteries require tyres with high load capacity and reinforced internal structure. These features help to support their weight without deformation.

• Instant torque means tyres must cope with rapid acceleration without slipping. Therefore, they feature special tread patterns and stronger materials to maintain grip.

• Quieter vehicles call for tyres engineered to minimise road noise through optimised tread designs and noise-absorbing compounds.

• Improved heat dissipation is a must to prevent damage from friction and weight. This is often achieved with specialised rubber compounds and fillers.

• EV tyres may also have slightly different diameters or stiffer sidewalls to improve handling and stability under extra weight.

AUTO BILD tested 235/55 R19 summer tyres, a common size for high-performance electric cars. They measured energy consumption differences between models under real driving conditions on motorways and country roads. Among the top three most energy-efficient tyres, two (Falken e.Ziex and Hankook iON evo SUV) had a special tread pattern for electric vehicles, while one (Continental Premium Contact 7) didn’t.

In the test, the best tyres used 18.28 kWh per 100 km, while the least efficient used 20.82 kWh. That 2.5 kWh difference might not sound like much, but it matters a lot for small EVs, like the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. A car like that can gain (or lose) around 50 extra kilometres of driving range based solely on tyre choice.

When choosing EV tyres, consider rolling resistance to maximise range, noise reduction for a quieter ride, and reinforced sidewalls to support extra battery weight and torque. Most importantly, always select tyres with a load index that matches or exceeds your vehicle’s requirements.

Rolling resistance

Tyres with low rolling resistance reduce the energy required to keep the vehicle moving, which translates into longer range. Who can say no to extra kilometres with the same charge, right? Look for tyres rated with low rolling resistance on the EU tyre label, often indicated by a “B” or “A” grade in fuel efficiency. Check manufacturer specifications for rolling resistance coefficients. Values around 6-8 kg/t are considered low. 

Noise reduction

Since EVs are quiet, tyre noise stands out more. That’s why tyres for these vehicles often include internal foam layers to dampen road noise. The EU tyre label ranks external rolling noise from A to C, with “A” being the quietest and “C” the loudest allowed. Go for “A” if you don’t want to have your favourite playlist disrupted. By the way, many tyre brands have their own name for this category: Continental calls its technology ContiSilent, Bridgestone uses B-Silent, and Pirelli offers PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System).

Reinforced sidewalls

Electric cars usually weigh 200-400 kg more than petrol or diesel cars of a similar size. This puts more pressure on the tyres, especially the sidewalls. But it’s not a big deal, as you simply need to buy tyres that can handle the extra weight. Look for models marked “Extra Load” (XL) or “Reinforced”, which means they have stronger sidewalls.

Whether you need such an extra depends on the vehicle you drive. Standard passenger car tyres usually have load indexes from 82 to 97 (about 475 kg to 730 kg per tyre). Reinforced or Extra Load (XL) tyres typically start at higher load indexes like 94 and above.

Load index

The load index tells you how much the car can safely carry (e.g., LI 94 means 670 kg per tyre). Since Evs are heavy, you should never go below the number mentioned in your car registration certificate. You can choose tyres matching the index or go a little higher. For example, choosing 96 or 98 instead of 94 is fine. This might be a good idea if you often pack the car full, drive in hot weather, or want a bit more stability at speed.

Yes, electric vehicles require winter-specific tyres if you live in areas with cold temperatures and snowy or icy conditions, just like ICE vehicles. When it comes to legal aspects, the law does not differentiate between electric and combustion-engine cars regarding the winter tyre obligation.

For instance, in Austria, from 1 November to 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres when driving in snow, slush, or on icy roads. This applies to all passenger cars and lorries under 3.5 t, whether they run on petrol, diesel or electricity. 

Tyres for small EVs like the Fiat 500e usually cost between €50 and €150 per unit. For mid-size cars like the VW ID.3, tyre prices range from €100 to €300 each. Larger SUVs, such as the Škoda Enyaq, require tyres priced between €150 and €350 per unit.

Tyres suitable for EVs generally start at a higher price point than those for internal combustion engine cars. This is because EV tyres need to handle greater weight and higher torque. This means even their basic specifications differ from those of similarly sized ICE vehicles. In addition, reinforced sidewalls, noise reduction, and optimised rolling resistance that make tyres more efficient and comfortable also make them more expensive.

Yes, EV-optimised tyres are worth the higher costs. They can extend range compared to standard models, reduce cabin noise and offer better grip to cope with instant torque.

Yes, electric cars can have higher tyre wear because they typically produce more torque and are heavier than conventional vehicles. That’s why it is important to choose tyres with the right characteristics to ensure they last longer.

The 2025 USCALE EV Tyre Study found that EV drivers see their tyres wear out much faster than those on combustion cars, and they’re generally less satisfied with them. All the more reason to pick durable, EV-friendly tyres if you want to save money and drive with comfort.

The latest tyre models named the best according to thorough tests by AUTO BILD vary by season and tyre type. Goodyear leads the summer tyre category for 2025, Michelin excels in winter tyres, and Pirelli stands out for all-season tyres.

Check out the top brands by tyre type and season:

• Summer Tyres (2025): 1. Goodyear, 2. Continental, 3. Michelin

• Winter Tyres (2024/2025): 1. Michelin, 2. Continental, 3. Goodyear

• All-Season Tyres (2024/2025): 1. Pirelli, 2. Continental, Goodyear, Michelin

You may feel confident you’ve understood the key points on choosing tyres, but it’s only natural to want to be sure. After all, getting it wrong can be costly. That’s why we’ve included clear examples of suitable seasonal tyres from top brands for five popular electric cars. Check them out!

Volkswagen ID.3

• Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

• Winter: Continental WinterContact TS 850 P ContiSeal

• All-Year: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Škoda Enyaq Coupe iV 60

• Summer: Continental PremiumContact 6

• Winter: Michelin Alpin 7

• All-Year: Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus

Hyundai Inster

• Summer: Michelin Energy Saver+

• Winter: Continental WinterContact TS 860

• All-Year: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3

Audi Q6 e-tron

• Summer: Continental CrossContact LX Sport.

• Winter: Pirelli Scorpion Winter

• All-Year: Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV

BMW X1

• Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

• Winter: Pirelli Scorpion Winter

• All-Year: Continental AllSeasonContact

Most workshops can change EV tyres, and confident DIYers can do it too. The process is much like that with petrol or diesel cars, but jack placement requires special attention.

Workshop prices for changing tyres start at around €50. You would rather do it yourself? Keep in mind the following:

• Since many EVs have heavy battery packs in the underbody, it is important to lift the car only at the points shown in the owner’s manual.

• Some models recommend using rubber jack pads to spread the weight and protect the battery.

• Ensure the jack is rated to bear the vehicle’s weight.

• Make sure the surface beneath the jack is strong and stable enough to prevent it from sinking.

You spend hours carefully choosing the right tyres and invest a significant amount of money, hoping they’ll last for years. But did you know that how you care for your tyres plays a big role in their lifespan? Proper care could add 1-2 extra years — so much of it is up to you!

Discover 5 essential tips to prevent premature tyre wear.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check the sticker in your car for correct pressures, loaded and unloaded. Check tyre pressure once a month and before long trips, especially in winter.

• Account for temperature changes. Cold weather lowers tyre pressure. For example, 2.5 bar at 20°C can drop to about 2.2 bar at 0°C.

• Adopt an eco-friendly driving style. Accelerate moderately and brake gently to reduce tyre wear.

• Use regenerative braking smoothly to prevent unnecessary stress on tyres.

• Take corners carefully. Smooth steering and pedal input protect the tyre structure and grip.