Are You Choosing the Right EV Winter Tyres?

Electric cars have a few unique aspects that make winter tyres especially important. So if you want your frosty-season drives to be pleasant — setting off with your favourite tracks playing, seat warmers on, snowflakes landing on the windshield, and the confidence to handle any road — it all starts with choosing the right tyres.

Read on to find out why EV winter tyres make such a difference and how to pick them.

• EVs need tyres made with their weight and instant torque in mind.

• In some European countries, winter tyres are required during fixed periods, while in others, their use is situational, with only recommended time frames. 

• All-season tyres can work if winters are mild.

You need EV winter tyres to improve grip on cold, wet and slippery roads. They will provide you with more stability when steering. In addition, such tyres ensure shorter braking distances and help to keep your EV efficiency unchanged even at low temperatures.

In most ways, winter tyres work just as well on electric cars as they do on normal petrol or diesel vehicles. However, there are a few reasons why they are particularly important for electric car drivers.

• First, electric cars tend to be heavier because of their batteries, which means they generally need a bit more distance to come to a full stop.

• Second, electric cars deliver instant torque. That’s what makes them feel zippy and so fun to drive. But that same quick burst of power can make it easier to spin the wheels on ice or snow.

• And third, regenerative braking (the very system that helps recharge your battery as you slow down) can sometimes apply braking unevenly. You may notice it especially on slick surfaces. This makes a good grip even more important.

You can recognise winter tyres by the 3PMSF symbol, a mountain with a snowflake. It shows the tyre has been tested for winter conditions and performs well on snow and ice. Some tyres also show M+S (mud and snow), but this alone doesn’t guarantee real winter performance.

You can also spot winter tyres by their tread pattern. They have deeper grooves and lots of small cuts (sipes) across the tread. Compared to summer tyres, they look chunkier and more “textured,” almost like they have extra lines and tiny slits to grip snow and ice.

The best EV winter tyres should have all the regular characteristics, including good traction on snow and ice, reliable braking performance, and reasonable pricing. But for EVs, you also need to consider rolling resistance, reinforced sidewalls, load index and noise reduction.

• Rolling resistance

Tyres with low rolling resistance are great for keeping your EV’s range high when temperatures drop. Cold air and snow already make batteries less efficient, so tyres that don’t waste energy help you go further per charge. Combine that with charging overnight at home with a go-e Charger, and you’ll start every winter drive fully ready for the road.

• Noise reduction

Snow, slush, and wet roads can amplify road noise. Since EVs are quiet, tyre noise is more noticeable. Many winter tyres made for electric cars use internal foam layers to keep the cabin serene. This will prevent your favourite soundtracks or podcasts from getting interrupted by noise.

• Reinforced sidewalls

EVs are typically 10-30% heavier than ICE vehicles of the same size. That extra weight stresses the sidewalls, especially during winter manoeuvres when you’re braking or cornering on slippery roads. It matters in winter as extra load + ice = more chance of losing grip or control. Reinforced tyres maintain stability.

• Load index

Always choose tyres that match or exceed your vehicle’s load index. EVs are heavy, and winter conditions demand precise handling and stability. A sufficient load index prevents uneven wear. Furthermore, it ensures braking distances remain as short as possible.

Best tyre models for electric cars are produced by reputable brands such as Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several others. They may cost more than less praised alternatives, which begs the question: how much is a comfortable, high-performance, and worry-free ride worth to you?

• Best tyres for compact EVs: Continental WinterContact TS 870, Bridgestone Blizzak 6, Semperit Speed Grip 5

The cheapest option: Semperit Speed Grip 5

• Best tyres for performance EVs: Bridgestone Blizzak LM 005, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, Bridgestone Blizzak LM 005

The cheapest option: Pirelli SottoZero 3

• Best tyres for SUVs and crossovers: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, Michelin Alpin 7, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

The cheapest option: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Tyre models you should avoid according to ADAC include Star Performer Stratos UHP, Tomket Snowroad Pro 2 and Imperial Snowdragon UHP. The German automobile club tested a wide range of models, looking at how they perform in wet and dry conditions and on snow, as well as their fuel efficiency and wear.

Check out the ranking below, starting with the worst-performing models:

• Star Performer Stratos UHP – 5.5

• Tomket Snowroad Pro 2 – 5.4

• Imperial Snowdragon UHP – 5.4

• Petlas SnowMaster 2 Sport – 5.3

• Landsail Winter Lander – 4.9

• Hankang Winter Activa 6 – 4.8

• Radar Dimax Winter – 4.6

• Apollo Aspire XP Winter – 4.1

• Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 – 3.7

• Firestone Winterhawk 4 – 3.6

Interestingly, ADAC didn’t make a distinction between tyres that are EV-compatible and those that aren’t. That being said, none of the lowest-rated models are produced with electric vehicles in mind.

When it comes to the best-performing tyres, the first three models in the rating are EV-ready:

• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 – 2.0

• Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 – 2.1

• Bridgestone Blizzak 6 – 2.2

Winter tyre regulations differ by country, considering traffic, road type, terrain, seasonal temperatures, accident history, and non-resident drivers. In most European countries, winter tyres or snow chains are required from November to March, though exact dates vary locally.

• Winter tyres required: Yes

• 3PMSF symbol required: Yes, for all passenger cars and light vehicles

• Winter period: December 1 – March 31 (when roads have ice, snow, slush, or frost)

• Minimum tread depth: 3 mm

• Notes: Studded tyres are also allowed

• Winter tyres required: Yes

• 3PMSF symbol required: Yes

• Winter period: November 1 – March 31 (if weather or road conditions require)

• Minimum tread depth: 3 mm (rises to 5 mm in tougher conditions)

• Winter tyres required: Yes 

• 3PMSF symbol required: Yes

• Winter period:

• South: November 1 – first Sunday after Easter

• North: October 16 – April 30

• Minimum tread depth: 3 mm

• Winter tyres required: No, but vehicles must be equipped with suitable tyres under winter conditions

• 3PMSF symbol required: Yes

• Winter period: November 1 – April 15 (recommended use only)

• Minimum tread depth: Not specified

There’s no law requiring winter tyres in the UK, but your tyres must be suitable for the conditions. 

• 3PMSF symbol required: No

• Winter period: No official period. Winter tyres are recommended once temperatures regularly drop below 7 °C

• Minimum tread depth: Must meet legal requirements for all tyres (1.6 mm for cars)

• Notes: Using winter tyres is up to the driver, but insurance may refuse coverage if your car isn’t properly equipped for bad weather

In general, all-season tyres can be used in winter. They are designed to handle a range of conditions, including light snow, rain, and dry roads. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind.

In many countries, all-season tyres are only considered winter-legal if they carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. Tyres marked only M+S may not be sufficient. On top of that, all-season tyres provide better grip than summer tyres in cold conditions, but they still don’t perform as well as dedicated winter tyres on snow and ice. For more challenging winter conditions, winter tyres remain the safer choice.

The 2024 winter tyre test by AUTO ZEITUNG, which compared seven dedicated winter tyres with three modern all-season models in size 215/55 R17, had a bit of a surprise in store. It has been shown that for drivers living in areas with moderate winters, the gap between winter and all-season tyres is shrinking. Some of the top all-season models now offer impressive performance across a variety of conditions.

As you see, all-season tyres are like that friend who’s “good at a bit of everything”. They are versatile, but not exceptional in any one area. That’s how they managed to score the highest overall. Dedicated winter tyres, like the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, on the other hand, still have a clear advantage in snow. The reason is their fine sipes that add extra grip on slick surfaces.

If you don’t often drive your EV in extreme cold (below -20°C), where specialised winter compounds really make a difference, a premium all-season tyre is not a bad choice. It offers balanced, reliable performance, and usually at a lower price.

Winter tyres for electric cars start at roughly €55 for small EVs, €140 for medium-sized EVs, and €200 for electric SUVs. These are EV-compatible tyres designed to handle the extra weight and torque of such vehicles.

• Small electric cars (like the Fiat 500e): €55-130 per tyre. By comparison, tyres not specifically designed for EVs start at around €40.

• Medium-sized electric cars (like the Tesla Model 3 or Model S): €140-310 per tyre, with standard non-EV tyres starting at about €60.

• Electric SUVs (like the Volvo EX30): €200-400 per tyre, while non-EV tyres typically start around €70.

The top choices for buying EV winter tyres online are tyreleader.co.uk, mytyres.co.uk and tyres-pneus-online.co.uk. They offer plenty of EV-compatible options across a wide price range, along with detailed filters and user reviews.

The most important tips for maintaining your EV winter tyres are to check tyre pressure regularly, monitor tread depth, inspect for damage, and store your tyres properly when not in use, and it is also advisable to rotate them every 8,000 - 10,000 km.

Don’t wait for the “tyre pressure is too low” warning to appear on your dashboard — it usually comes on only when the pressure is already close to a critical level. Make it a habit to check and adjust the pressure at least once a month. Properly inflated tyres improve both grip and efficiency.

Winter tyres need enough tread to grip snow, ice, and wet roads. Make sure the tread depth meets or exceeds the legal minimum in your country.

Cuts, cracks, or bulges don’t always appear immediately, which is why you need to check your tyres regularly. If you notice anything unusual, have it inspected by a professional. Remember that it’s not just about performance. Regular inspections help prevent accidents.

Once you switch back to summer tyres, store winter tyres in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Keep them upright or stacked flat. Avoid placing heavy objects on top.

Many specialists recommend rotating your tyres between the front and rear axles to ensure even wear. This helps keep handling balanced and extends tyre lifespan. Garages don’t always do this by default, so be sure to request it when you bring your car in for a seasonal tyre change.