Do Electric Vehicles Need Special Tires?
A CR expert weighs in on what you need to know
When transitioning from a gas-powered car to an electric one, you should know there are some differences in how they’re maintained, including the tires. One question that’s commonly asked is whether electric vehicles need different tires than gas-powered cars.
“EVs are heavier vehicles, and the tire industry is adjusting to these weight increases,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, who oversees Consumer Reports’ tire program. “There’s a load range of tires called HL, which stands for high-load capacity tires. These tires can carry a heavier load at the same tire pressure as traditional tires.”
The on-demand torque in an EV also requires better traction because the tires are grabbing the road surface and causing a lot of friction during that initial acceleration. EV-specific tires are optimized to maximize grip and reduce wear.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from an episode of “Talking Cars.”
