The Truth About Tire Wear on Electric Vehicles
The Tale Of Two Tires (So Far)
One recurring myth in the online EV FUD machine is the claim that EVs are terrible for tires. Due to their weight and torque, it is often argued that EVs wear out tires much faster compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These misleading stories have gained traction, with some even stating that EV tires last only 15,000 miles. Such exaggerations have left potential EV buyers concerned about the viability of choosing an electric vehicle.
In this article, we will delve into the reality of EVs and tire wear, starting with a personal experience of an EV owner.
When my Bolt EUV reached approximately 4,000 miles, I found myself in search of better tires for some mild off-roading adventures. Since forest roads often hide sharp rocks beneath the gravel, I needed tires that could handle such treacherous terrain. Unfortunately, the eco tires that came with my vehicle were clearly not up to the task, even with cautious driving at low speeds.
Although I initially requested to test Michelin’s airless prototype, the Tweel, the company’s representative informed me that they were not yet available for public testing. As an alternative, I was offered a set of truck tires designed for vehicles with high torque requirements: the Defender LTX M/S. I eagerly accepted the offer, and though I had to cover the cost of mounting, balancing, and a wheel for a full-size spare, I was intrigued to see how these tires would perform on an EV.
Despite not being specifically designed for EVs, the LTX tires were well-equipped to handle the torque demands of modern pickup trucks and SUVs. While EVs deliver their power in a less instantaneous manner compared to ICE vehicles, late-model turbocharged truck engines can still exert significant force on the rubber. The delay in turbo spooling causes a momentary lag in power, similar to the effect experienced in EVs. Thus, the stress on the tires can be quite comparable, even if the timing differs.
Fortuitously, I recently rotated my tires, providing a timely opportunity to share my experience.
Curiously, the rear tires (as my Bolt EUV is front-wheel drive) remained in pristine condition. Despite covering approximately 12,000 miles over the past year and a half, these tires displayed hardly any signs of wear. The tread remained almost fully intact, and the rubber whiskers in the tire grooves remained intact. However, the front tires had lost about half of their tread. Admittedly, my tendency to have a heavy foot on the accelerator explains this disparity. Nevertheless, if the weight of the vehicle were a primary factor, the rear tires would have also shown noticeable wear.
Based on the current wear rate, I estimate that I will need to rotate my tires again in another 12,000 miles or so to even out the tread. Subsequently, I can anticipate driving an additional 12,000 miles before the tread becomes significantly low. At this point, I could perform another rotation and wear the tires down to the tread wear indicators, resulting in an estimated total tire lifespan of approximately 48,000 miles. Clearly, this far exceeds the commonly circulated claim of 15,000 or even 30,000 miles.
It’s Easy To Lead-Foot An EV, Though
Several psychological factors contribute to higher tire wear on EVs.
Firstly, the incredible acceleration provided by the instant torque of an EV can be highly exhilarating. While affordable EV models like the Bolt EUV may not offer the extreme torque and horsepower of a Tesla, raw specifications like its 266 lb-ft of torque fail to convey the tangible driving experience. From 0 to 30 MPH, the Bolt feels analogous to an older V8 engine; beyond 45 MPH, it performs more like a 4-cylinder. However, since many everyday driving situations involve slower speeds, drivers frequently experience the surge of torque and subsequently pay the price at the tire shop.
A second aspect to consider is the absence of concerns regarding the mechanical complexity of traditional internal combustion engines. EVs, with their fewer moving parts, face lower risks of premature wear and failure at high mileage. Consequently, drivers may be more inclined to indulge in spirited driving, as the potential long-term damage to the vehicle is significantly reduced.
There is also the matter of fuel costs. Unlike with gasoline-powered cars, driving an EV aggressively does not punish you at the gas station. While your power bill may increase slightly with spirited driving in town, the nominal difference is often inconspicuous, lost among other billing details. Consequently, drivers may find themselves less reluctant to push down on the accelerator of an EV compared to a gas-powered vehicle.
Truth be told, if EV owners drove their vehicles with the same reservations as they do with ICE vehicles, tire wear on EVs would not be significantly different from their previous experiences. While the added weight and quick torque response of EVs do contribute to increased wear, it is often the driving habits of individuals that lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
It is essential to remember that despite an EV’s greater torque capability, the vehicle only exerts as much torque as the driver demands with the accelerator pedal.
The Situation Will Also Improve
An underrated aspect in the tire wear discussion is the continuous advancement of tire technology. As evident from my experience with the LTX tires, tire compounds are consistently improving, allowing them to handle the additional torque produced by most modern vehicles, whether ICE or EV. This trend of enhancing tires to accommodate faster torque delivery will undoubtedly continue.
Furthermore, the future promises the eventual predominance of airless tires. The demand for airless tire technology is evident to tire manufacturers, indicating that it is a market segment too significant to ignore. Airless tires, like the Tweels, are not subject to air pressure and the repeated flexing that traditional tires experience, thereby reducing tire-related issues. The possibility of retreading airless tires multiple times without difficulty is also not a farfetched option. Polymer 3D-printing technology may even allow customization of tread patterns for specific needs or deliver tread-on-demand solutions.
Overall, EV owners who have a penchant for faster driving experiences need not despair. The continuous evolution of tire technology and the eventual proliferation of airless tires will undoubtedly address concerns of tire wear.
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