Electric vehicles demand specialised tyres due to their unique characteristics and requirements. One critical factor is weight management, as EVs are generally heavier than traditional vehicles due to their battery packs. To handle the additional weight, EV tyres are constructed with reinforced designs and stronger sidewalls, ensuring durability and resistance to premature wear.
Additionally, the instant torque produced by electric motors necessitates robust rubber compounds in EV tyres, which can endure high torque and enhance durability.
Lower rolling resistance is another key consideration for EVs, directly impacting range and efficiency. Tyres designed specifically for EVs minimise energy loss, potentially extending the vehicle's range by up to 12%.
Furthermore, noise reduction is essential in EVs, as their quieter operation makes road noise more noticeable. Many EV tyres incorporate advanced noise-reduction technologies, such as ContiSilent, which can reduce interior noise by as much as 9 decibels.
Given the increased weight and torque of EVs, grip and braking performance are crucial. Specialised tyres ensure optimal grip, leading to shorter braking distances and improved overall handling.
To accommodate the additional weight, EV tyres often feature higher load ratings, with some models requiring heavy load (HL) tyres for adequate support.
EV tyres are chosen based on their performance in tests tailored to EVs, focusing on energy efficiency, range extension and adaptability across various driving conditions. The ideal tyre selection depends on the specific EV model and the driver's unique requirements, ensuring optimal safety, efficiency and an improved driving experience. Among the many options available, the following ten EV tyres have been rigorously tested and proven in the market.
10 | Hankook iON evo SUV
- Parent company: Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd
- Revenue: US$1.68bn
- Employees: +20,000
- CTO: Bonhee Ku
- Founded: 1941
Hankook's iON evo SUV tyre is designed specifically for EVs, with sizes ranging from 18" to 22" rims.
Notable features include Opti Cure Technology to reduce rolling resistance and Grip Boost Technology, enhancing cornering stiffness by 10%. Its Aramid Hybrid Reinforcement Belt improves high-speed steering, while extended shoulder blocks ensure excellent traction.
Awarded an "exemplary" rating by Auto Bild in April 2024. Hankook has been the official tyre supplier for the Formula E World Championship since the 2022/23 season. All Formula E vehicles use Hankook Tire brand tyres.
9 | Yokohama ADVAN Sport EV
- Parent company: Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited
- Revenue: US$6.90bn
- Employees:
- CEO: 33.600
- Founded: 1917
The Yokohama ADVAN Sport EV tyre is engineered for EVs, with rim sizes from 18" to 19".
It features Silentfoam technology to minimise cabin noise and a specialised compound that reduces rolling resistance, boosting EV range. With a tread pattern inspired by the high-performance ADVAN Sport V107, it supports the heavier loads of EVs.
Graded B-C for fuel efficiency and A-B for wet grip, it offers up to a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty on select sizes and a satisfaction guarantee.
8 | Michelin e.Primacy
- Parent company: Michelin
- Revenue: US$30.86bn
- Employees: 132,500
- CTO: Seth Pack
- Founded: 1889
The Michelin e.Primacy is an eco-focused tyre in 15" to 19" rim sizes. With EU grades of A for fuel efficiency and B for wet grip, it features advanced technologies like Slim Belt, Silent Rib and EnergyAirShield compounds.
Known for the lowest rolling resistance in its category, it saves up to 0.21L/100km on fuel and extends the EV range by 7%.
It maintains performance after 30,000 km and is the first tyre with an Environmental Product Declaration, emphasising sustainability.
7 | Falken e.Ziex
- Parent company: Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI)
- Revenue: US$3.98bn
- Employees: 41,000
- Managing Executive Officer: Kiyoshige Muraoka
- Founded: 1983
The Falken e.Ziex is a tyre tailored for EVs, offered in sizes from 15" to 21". With EU ratings of A for fuel efficiency and wet grip, it incorporates features like Silent Core technology, silencing sipes, and optimised tread edges for improved grip and reduced noise.
Its ultra-low rolling resistance and up to 29% sustainable materials enhance EV range while lowering energy consumption.
Falken supports football, partnering with clubs like Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid and sponsoring automotive events like Re: Fuel.
6 | Bridgestone Turanza Eco
- Parent company: Bridgestone Corporation
- Revenue: US$30,17bn
- Employees: 125,000
- Global CTO: Masato Banno
- Founded: 1930
The Bridgestone Turanza Eco is a high-performance, eco-friendly tyre ranging from 15" to 21". EU grades A for fuel efficiency and B for wet grip incorporate Enliten Technology, reducing rolling resistance by 30%, tyre weight by 20%, and raw material use by up to 2kg per tyre.
Designed for electric and hybrid vehicles, it enhances fuel economy, reduces CO2 emissions and supports heavier loads in XL sizes.
Bridgestone sponsors events like the World Solar Challenge, FIA ecoRally Cup and CES.
5 | Continental EcoContact 6
- Parent company: Continental AG
- Revenue: US$43.2bn
- Employees: 202,000
- CTO: Gilles Mabire
- Founded: 1871
The Continental EcoContact 6 is an eco-friendly summer tyre in sizes from 13" to 23".
With EU grades of A-C for fuel efficiency and wet grip, it features a Green Chili 2.0 compound, delivering 15% lower rolling resistance and 20% higher mileage than its predecessor. The optimised tread pattern enhances handling and braking on wet and dry roads.
Continental supports sports through partnerships like the Giro d'Italia, England Rugby, Major League Soccer, NCAA basketball and the Extreme E racing series.
4 | Pirelli P Zero Elect
- Parent company: China National Chemical Corp. Ltd. (ChemChina)
- Revenue: US$26.01bn
- Employees: 148,000
- Chief Engineer: Jia Meiping
- Founded: 1984
The Pirelli P Zero Elect is a high-performance tyre tailored for electric and hybrid vehicles, available in 20" to 22" sizes.
With EU grades of A for fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise (in some sizes), it features Elect technology, PNCS for noise reduction and an optimised tread for low rolling resistance and aerodynamics. Some versions incorporate over 55% bio-based and recycled materials.
Pirelli partners with Formula 1, Dream Racing and OEMs like BMW and Tesla, highlighting its commitment to innovation and performance.
3 | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- Parent company: Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Co
- Revenue: US$20.1bn
- Employees: 71,000
- CTO: Chris Helsel
- Founded: 1898
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is a high-performance summer tyre designed for superior performance and efficiency. Available in 17" to 23" sizes, with widths from 205mm to 325mm and profiles ranging from 30 to 65, it boasts EU grades of A-D for rolling resistance and A-B for wet grip.
Features like Dry Contact Plus Technology and Wet Braking Pro Technology enhance dry and wet performance, while its adaptive contact patch improves handling. Optimised for EVs, it reduces rolling resistance and noise.
Goodyear's partnerships, including the FIA European Truck Racing Championship and NASCAR, underline its motorsport expertise and innovation.
2 | Continental PremiumContact 7
- Parent company: Continental AG
- Revenue: US$43.2bn
- Employees: 202,000
- CTO: Gilles Mabire
- Founded: 1871
The Continental PremiumContact 7 is a high-performance summer tyre available in 16" to 21" sizes, with EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, A for wet grip and B for noise (71 dB).
Featuring Adaptive Tread Pattern Technology and a RedChili compound, it delivers optimal performance without warm-up and is compatible with EVs. With size-specific designs, it improves mileage by 10%, wet handling by 5% and wet braking by 7% compared to its predecessor.
Additional benefits include enhanced aquaplaning resistance and dry performance. The 205/55 R16 version has a tread depth of 7.4 mm.
1 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
- Parent company: Michelin
- Revenue: US$30.86bn
- Employees: 132,500
- CTO: Seth Pack
- Founded: 1889
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is a high-performance tyre tailored for premium SUVs, offered in sizes from 17" to 23".
With EU grades of C for fuel efficiency, A for wet grip and a noise level of 72 dB, it combines advanced features like an asymmetric tread for optimal wet and dry performance, Dynamic Response Technology for precise handling and MaxTouch Technology for extended tread life. Its rim protector guards against alloy wheel damage.
Michelin's partnerships, including MotoGP, the FIA Gran Turismo Championships and the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, highlight its dedication to motorsports and technological innovation.
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