Questions surrounding the longevity of tyres on electric cars compared to traditional vehicles has emerged. This is indeed a quandary for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, although the concern may not be as stark as it initially appears.
Research undertaken in the UK by the automotive appraisal professionals at CAP-HPI has concluded that EVs tend to exhaust their tyres at a much faster rate, and these tyres are not insignificant in cost.
Steve Chambers, a Senior Editor at CAP, when probed on this matter, admitted that while the discrepancy becomes less defined when considering components such as brakes and tyres, EV tyres are usually costlier due to their premature wear and tear largely attributable to the weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, EVs frequently use bigger or less standard tyre sizes, which further escalates the cost.
However, he highlighted there are myriad factors to take into account and at the core, in terms of service and maintenance, EVs tend to have lower running costs than their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) equivalent. The crucial question, though, is the extent to which drivers with minimal mileage will actually feel this.
Why do EVs burn through tyres more rapidly?
EVs are operationally disadvantaged in terms of tyre wear due to two factors: they are substantially heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts (with an average weight difference potentially reaching between 500kg and 750kg due to the heaviness of the necessary batteries) and the unique, and often jarring, method in which they deliver torque.
Unlike ICE cars, which require a few seconds to reach their maximum torque output, EVs are capable of delivering full torque immediately, hence contributing to the faster wear of the tyres. It is this ability to deliver high torque speed that enables EVs to rival, and sometimes exceed, the performance of even high-tier vehicles such as Ferraris in speed tests. As an instance, the new Volvo EX30 crossover can reach 0-100km/h in a stunning 3.6 seconds.
Torque can place great strain on tyres, forcing the tread blocks to absorb heavy pressure against the tarmac when the rotational force combats both the car’s weight, inertia and the friction from the road, inevitably leading to increased wear. Typically, EVs, even affordable models, come with larger wheels, commonly 19- or 20-inch rims, and high-performance tyres designed to endure the vehicle’s power, weight and torque, consequently escalating the cost.
So, does that imply the additional expenditure on EV tyres is unavoidable?
Fundamentally, the answer is affirmative, but the numbers do hold some complexities.
Volkswagen Group Ireland, encompassing VW, Skoda, Audi and Cupra brands, provides potential Irish customers an option for a “tyre upkeep scheme”, accommodating the initial three years of tyre replacements. This also includes three years of tyre insurances, accounting for any unintended or intentional damages. For instance, for a Skoda Enyaq, this would amount to approximately €1,200, incorporated in the vehicle’s price, and inevitably in the loan deal.
Hence, it is expected that Volkswagen Group Ireland is keeping track of the EV tyres it’s substituting and insuring, and the statistics provide insightful data. The key takeaway from this data verifies that EV owners could experience about a 20 per cent spike in tyre replacement and upkeep costs compared to those with combustion-engine vehicles.
However, for EV motorists, the scenario is not entirely bleak regarding tyre costs. As stated by VW Ireland: “On average, in their first four years of use, EV customers’ expenditure on maintenance and worn-out parts is 43 per cent less than ICE customers. This is due to the lack of engine oil, oil, fuel, and air filters, no spark plugs, no timing belts replacements; no need for Ad Blue. Additionally contributing to the cost-effectiveness are the over-the-air software updates which result in EV vehicles spending about 25 per cent fewer time in the service bay, bringing down labour costs.”
Robert Guy, Aftersales director of Volkswagen Group Ireland, affirmed that preliminary trends indicate factors such as driver behaviour primarily influence the rates of tyre replacements for EVs.
The evolution of tyre technology is making swift progress. Although it is currently too early to make definitive conclusions regarding wear, it has been acknowledged across the industry that the manner in which a driver handles their vehicle greatly influences tyre longevity. Factors such as the swift acceleration and increased weights of electric vehicles (EVs) play into this. Hence, ensuring moderate acceleration and engaging in proper tyre upkeep are key to prolonging a tyre’s lifespan. Selecting the appropriate tyres is also critical in enhancing efficiency, braking performance, and durability.
Is it possible to reduce the cost of tyres?
Tyre manufacturers are indeed probing into this possibility. As they garner more knowledge of the operational dynamics of EVs and their tyres, they are aiming to create more efficient yet cost-effective tyres.
Head of Communications at Bridgestone Tyres, Colm Coyngham, shed some light on this matter. He commented that they do not foresee that owning an EV would inevitably result in higher tyre expense. Costs could fluctuate depending on factors such as the size of the tyres the vehicle requires. He further mentioned their latest product, the Turanza 6, which is designed specifically for EVs and offers low rolling resistance. The Turanza 6 is priced almost at par with its predecessor, the T005, therefore introducing no additional costs towards tyre technology for EVs, given the tyre size remains consistent.
Does driver behaviour influence tyre longevity?
Mr. Coyngham agrees, driver’s actions on the road undoubtedly play a significant role. According to him, it is possible to achieve similar mileage with their EV tyres, compared to older models. Real-world examples even demonstrate high mileage on Irish roads.
The style of driving, paired with the regular maintenance of tyres, can greatly impact their lifespan. The additional torque and weight of EVs could affect tyre life, prompting drivers to adapt their driving technique over time. For increased tyre life, they recommend a smoother style of driving with gentle acceleration and deceleration, along with strict tyre and pressure maintenance to prevent irregular wear.