Tyres & the tyre bay 42 November 2026 ǁǁǁ͘ ĂŌ ĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚŽŶůŝŶĞ͘ ŶĞƚ How tyres are adapting to electric vehicles Sailun Tyre Europe looks at the different demands electric vehicles place on their tyres and outlines how tyres designed specifically for them address these requirements. In addition to the powertrain differences between EVs and ICEpowered vehicles, tyre requirements also vary considerably. An electric battery typically adds 450 kg, increasing overall weight by 15-30% and placing greater demands on tyres, especially when cornering, which can cause premature wear on their outer shoulders. Meanwhile, whereas ICE engines ramp up power gradually, electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly from standstill, placing severe torsional stress on the tyre’s contact patch. And while regenerative braking captures energy, deceleration can create high reverse longitudinal forces, adding stress to tread blocks. What to look out for When checking tyres on EVs, technicians should verify the tyre’s load index matches or exceeds manufacturer specification. Many modern EVs require HL (High Load) or XL (Extra Load) rated tyres to handle the extra battery mass. Visual checks should look for subtle bulges, cuts, or cracks along the lower sidewall and the extreme inner shoulder, where the tyre meets the rim. Accelerated centre wear may indicate overinflation but also “micro-slip” resulting from instant torque. Meanwhile, rapid inner shoulder wear can expose steel cords long before the centre tread hits the wear bars. Depending on the vehicle, EVs may operate at higher recommended pressures to reduce rolling resistance and support the vehicle’s weight. So technicians should strictly match the door jamb placard, as a small pressure drop increases rolling resistance, reducing range and accelerating outeredge shoulder scrub. When rotating or replacing tyres, technicians should ensure the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is reset or relearned where required, so the vehicle correctly registers the individual sensor positions and recommended baseline pressures. As EVs employ complex multi-link rear suspension architectures, a precise fourwheel alignment may be required and should be checked according to manufacturer guidance, rather than basic front-toe tracking. Any misalignment can force the electric motor to overcome extra mechanical drag, reducing range. Technicians should also check the thrust angle where required, helping ensure the rear wheels track correctly in relation to the vehicle’s centreline. Finally, it is worth noting that increased lateral forces accelerate wear on control arm bushings and tie-rod ends, causing alignment shifts under acceleration. How EV-ready tyres respond to EV demands While tyres fitted to EVs must meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specification, EV-ready tyres are designed to better support the additional weight, instant torque, rolling resistance and comfort requirements associated with electric and hybrid vehicles. Modern EV-ready tyres feature stronger internal structures, using hightensile steel belts and robust synthetic cords such as aramid or rayon to prevent deformation. Similarly, to prevent buckling during cornering, sidewalls are engineered with higher lateral and cornering stiffness.
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