A Guide to EV Tyres

As the number of EVs in the UK continues to grow, there are more second-hand and high-mileage EVs on the market. Just as petrol and diesel cars experience wear on their tyres, so will the tyres on your EV.

Can you buy conventional car tyres for your EV, or does it require tyres designed specifically for an electric vehicle? As there are so many makes and models of EVs on the market it can be confusing. Merityre’s guide looks at EV tyres so you can decide which ones you need for your EV.

What are EV tyres?

EV tyres are designed specifically for electric cars. They are manufactured to cope with the EV’s extra weight and are designed to be quiet, durable and have minimal rolling resistance. This improves your EV’s range while creating a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

What makes EV tyres different from regular car tyres?

EV and regular car tyres have many differences, from how the tyres are manufactured to tyre wear and durability. The differences include:

• Electric vehicle tyres are quieter than conventional car tyres.
• EV tyres are heavier but are more durable and have a stronger construction than conventional tyres.
• EV tyres typically have an ‘HL’ (heavy load) symbol on the sidewall as EVs are heavier than petrol and diesel cars.
• EV tyres have a different composition and tread pattern from conventional tyres to provide minimal rolling resistance and increased grip.

Can you put normal tyres on an EV?

While you can fit normal tyres on an EV, we recommend fitting EV-specific tyres on your electric car.

If you choose regular tyres for your electric vehicle, you might find that they wear down more than 30% quicker than if they were fitted on a conventional car. It means you will end up buying tyres more often – which can be costly.

Alternatively, if you own a hybrid vehicle, you should purchase hybrid-specific tyres over normal tyres. This ensures the tyres can cope with the extra weight of the battery, thus improving your hybrid’s performance and tyre lifespan.

Are EV tyres more expensive?

Yes, EV tyres are more expensive than regular car tyres due to how the tyres are designed and manufactured. While the tyres on an electric car can cost more in the short term, they can save you money over time. They are more durable, so you won’t need to replace your tyres as often.

Things to consider when buying new EV tyres

Do your EV tyres need replacing? When buying new tyres for your electric vehicle, you should consider:

• The type of EV you own – Do you have an EV saloon, sport-utility vehicle or van? Every electric van or car has tyres that are specific to that vehicle. If you are unsure which EV tyres you require for your electric car, enter your vehicle’s registration number online. Once you’ve entered your car’s registration number, we can help you find the correct tyres to fit on your electric van or car.
• Driving conditions – What kind of roads will you be driving on and what kind of distances will you be covering? You must also ensure the tyres you select for your EV are designed to deliver excellent durability and performance in all weather conditions, from hot, dry summers to wet and icy winters.
• Check the tyre load index - As EV’s are heavier than conventional vehicles, it’s important to check your tyres can handle the weight. The tyre load index can be found on the tyre sidewall and is displayed with two or three-digit numbers and initials.
• Ensure your EV’s tyres have the correct tyre pressure – Having the correct tyre pressure is crucial for your safety on the road. You can find information about your EV’s tyre pressure on the driver-side door or in the vehicle handbook.

How long do EV tyres last?

The lifespan of your EV’s tyres can depend on your driving style, overall mileage and on tyre maintenance – you should regularly check your tyre pressure and top up the air pressure as necessary.

If you drive safely and keep your tyres well maintained, they can last between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, or 3 to 5 years. We recommend checking the tread depth every few weeks on your tyres (it is illegal to drive with tyre tread below 1.6 mm) and periodically booking in for a wheel balancing check at your nearest Merityre branch. This ensures any imbalances with your tyres are fixed before incurring more damage.

Is your EV due a service? Discover what’s included in an electric car service with our guide. Replace your electric car’s tyres with new ones by buying them online and getting them fitted at your local Merityre garage across South-East England today.