Do I need special tyres for Electric cars

Electric vehicles must abide by the same laws that govern the use of traditional vehicles on Britain's roads. This includes the need to be roadworthy, to be insured and taxed, and to have a valid MOT certificate once over 3 years old. They also need a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm on all four tyres and their tyres to be correctly inflated and free from damage such as bulges, cuts or foreign objects.

The tyres that are fitted to your vehicle are the only thing between it and the road. They allow it to grip in wet conditions and when cornering, and they are ultimately responsible for stopping the vehicle when the brakes are applied. They are a vital safety feature, and scrimping on tyres is never recommended. This is especially so when buying electric car tyres.

If you are found to be driving with unsafe tyres, you are liable to be issued with a penalty, which could include a fine of up to £2,500 and up to 3 points on your licence per unsafe tyre. This means that if all four tyres that are fitted are deemed to be unsafe, this could equate to a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your licence, which is enough to disqualify you from driving for a minimum period of 6 months under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

This may seem a very harsh consequence for failing to replace worn or faulty tyres, but it is important to remember that maintaining your tyres in a safe condition is not only a legal requirement. Your tyres are also vital for protecting you, your passengers and other road users from harm. Defective tyres were the cause of 491 casualties reported in 2021 [3], and it is likely that many of these incidents could have been prevented had tyres been replaced when they first started to show signs of wear.

Electric vehicles and hybrids are heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts, and their weight distribution is also different. Where a petrol or diesel car has its engine under the bonnet, or in some instances in the boot area, the large and heavy batteries that are fitted to EVs and hybrids are typically stored in the underfloor area. This increased weight in the centre of the vehicle puts extra pressure on the tyres, so it is recommended that you buy tyres that are specifically designed for EVs and hybrid vehicles.

Ordinary road tyres can be fitted to an electric or hybrid vehicle, but this is not recommended and is usually a false economy as the extra weight of the vehicle will cause them to wear out more quickly and require replacing more regularly.

Any cost savings made from buying cheaper road tyres will quickly be eliminated by more regular tyre replacement. There is also a safety consideration when opting for standard road tyres, as the increased weight can cause the tyre sidewall to bulge and potentially be more vulnerable to punctures, which can put you, your passengers and other road users at risk of harm.

The main three ways in which electric vehicle and hybrid tyres differ from traditional road tyres are:

1. Their load capacity

Electric and hybrid tyres are heavier than those designed for petrol and diesel vehicles, and this is because their sidewall construction is heavily reinforced and optimised to distribute the vehicle's increased weight more evenly while maintaining consistent contact with the road. They are a strong and durable tyre that is capable of withstanding the forces placed upon them by the vehicle to which they are fitted.

2. Lower rolling resistance.

Electric vehicle tyres also have a lower rolling resistance than their traditional counterparts, which reduces the amount of energy that is required to move the vehicle. This is important because of the weight of the vehicle and the fact that the vehicles are relying solely on electric power for propulsion.

Electric vehicle tyres have a carefully designed tread pattern that provides excellent grip, and they are made from a special rubber compound which helps EVs to operate effectively, attain impressive mileages and require minimal recharging or, in the case of hybrid vehicles, refuelling.

3. Reduced noise.

In our experience, drivers of hybrid and electric vehicles enjoy the quiet that is associated with these vehicles. The last thing that they want to do is fit noisy tyres to their vehicles, so manufacturers such as Pirelli, Michelin, Continental and Bridgestone ensure that their ranges of EV tyres are low friction for a quieter ride.

They do this by incorporating noise-absorbing materials into their tyre compounds and using innovative tread block designs which reduce vibrations to create a more enjoyable driving experience.

When choosing EV tyres, you could either opt to replace your tyres like-for-like, replacing the worn tyres with the same make and model that was originally fitted. This will ensure that the vehicle behaves as intended by the manufacturer.

Alternatively, you could seek advice from professionals or other people who own the same type of car, and opt for a different make or model which better suits your driving style, the type of roads that you travel upon, the weather conditions that you are likely to experience and your budget. There are many different EV tyres available to choose from, and all have been tested and deemed to be compliant with the specific needs of electric and hybrid vehicles.

There is no one best tyre for every situation. Our years of experience tell us that the best EV tyres are those that are compatible with your vehicle, that suit your style of driving, and that are within your budget. When you come to Protyre, our tyre professionals will work with you to identify the most suitable tyres for your needs. They will assess a number of factors to make a tailored recommendation, and your satisfaction is their measure of success.

For more information or to book a free tyre check, please contact your local Protyre garage today.

If you have any difficulty in choosing the best tyres for your vehicle, our tyre professionals are always happy to offer advice. Call in at any Protyre garage or book an appointment through our website.