Electric car tyres vs normal tyres

As the world evolves to become more sustainable, electric vehicles have emerged as the obvious choice for the future of transportation. Cleaner, greener, and unbelievably quiet EVs are in a class of their own. Just charge up and go. Which raises the question: if the cars are so different, are EV tyres different too? The answer is yes, EV tyres are not just your regular car tyre—they’re designed specifically for the unique needs of your electric vehicle. But shopping for EV tyres doesn’t need to be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know on the difference between EV and regular car tyres.

What is the difference between EV tyres and regular tyres?

When it comes to EV tyres vs normal tyres, there are some key differences:

So if you’re thinking of putting regular tyres on that Tesla or BYD—you should think twice. Let’s take a look at why in closer detail.

Are electric car tyres different to regular tyres?

So why are electric car tyres different to petrol/diesel car tyres? One major reason is that they’re built with a special rubber compound specific to EVs. That’s because EV tyres need to withstand the high torque and gutsy acceleration of electric vehicles while keeping you safe. EVs are usually heavier than regular cars too (due to the electric or hybrid battery), and so need tyres with higher load capacity and durability.

You’d be surprised how much noise a regular tyre in constant contact with the road really makes when it’s not disguised by engine noise. That’s why EV tyres have a layer of acoustic foam inside, as when you’re in the quiet cabin of an EV, every sound is noticeable. The acoustic foam significantly dampens this road-tyre noise, ensuring a quieter in-vehicle experience.

When are tyres different on electric cars? Pretty much all EVs will need specialised tyres, which also includes different sizes on the front of the vehicle than on the back. So EVs are not only different in build type, durability and acoustic function, but also in tyre size combinations. Tricky!

Are EV tyres more expensive than normal tyres?

If they’re designed for durability and high-performance, are electric car tyres more expensive? Yes they are, but only by a bit. On average, you’ll be looking at around $150 - $400 for an EV tyre, as opposed to the $100 - $300 of a regular tyre. Why are EV tyres more expensive? It’s all due to that specialised design for weight, durability, lower rolling resistance, and noise reduction. These added elements increase the manufacturing cost, but also allow you to ride quietly and safely.

Which tyres last longest: EV or regular?

Are regular tyres shorter lived or do electric cars wear tyres out quicker? While the longevity of any tyre type will depend on your driving style and frequency, tyre quality and how well they’re maintained, there can be a difference in how long EV and regular tyres last.

So how long do EV tyres last? With their high speed take-off, regenerative braking and fierce torque, EV tyres do have a tendency to wear slightly quicker than a regular tyre. On average this means around 30,000 to 50,000km, compared to a regular tyre lasting 40,000 to 70,000km.

Can I use regular tyres on an EV?

The short answer is no, you can’t use regular tyres on an EV or hybrid vehicle. Firstly, they’re likely to be different rim and width sizes, but even if you can get them on it can lead to trouble. The powerful and immediate acceleration of EVs puts added stress on the tyres, so they need to be high-performance.

Attempting to use regular tyres could see you experience blow-outs or loss of control. It’s always recommended to use the tyres recommended by your EV manufacturer.

Still not sure? Drop into mycar for help

Choosing the right tyres for your electric vehicle can be confusing, and it’s important to get it right. With mycar you’ll get high quality service and professional tyre fitting for your EV or regular car that’ll see you ready to roll on in style and comfort. With over 275 stores across Australia, we’re right where you need us, and our workmanship guarantee will give you complete peace of mind that your EV’s in good hands.

Give us a call or book a repair or service online today.