electric car tyres

Yokohama Tyres will further demonstrate its commitment to supporting drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) by becoming the latest event partner of the Everything Electric London. Taking place at London ExCel from 28 – 30 March, the event, formerly called Fully Charged LIVE, will showcase not only the latest in electric cars, but also the latest in home energy and clean energy solutions too.

Although the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) predicts that battery electric vehicles will capture a 17.8% share of the new car market by the close of 2023, they remain a topic of fervent discussion and sensational headlines. Tyres aren’t exempt from this discourse, as the Daily Mail made clear in July when calling them the “dirty secret behind your electric vehicles.” To bring some common sense back into the EV tyre conversation, Michelin recently shared its views on the subject.

Eco tyres and EV tyres have a very close relationship in that both focus on delivering high energy efficiency and high longevity. As we mention in our recommendations for electric car tyres, the lines are blurred considerably by the broad range of “EV-Ready” (to borrow Bridgestone’s term) products now on the market. While the specialist EV tyres generally start with performance principles tuned specifically towards enhancing range, reducing noise and providing greater longevity, the tyres on our eco tyre list have evolved from generations of touring tyres for cars. This means that they are generally well-rounded products, with features that promote enjoyable, comfortable driving as well as improving efficiency.

The replacement market for electric car tyres has begun to swell as tyre manufacturers bring new products to the market. These tyres fit broadly into two major categories: models that fit into existing tyre ranges that contain technologies applicable to the demands of electric vehicles (EVs), or brand-new products designed exclusively for EVs. The difference between these two categories could be described as compatible or specialist products for fitment on EVs; however, this sort of distinction runs the danger of undermining the quality of products that have been designed to suit both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars.

Having sold 18.5 million tyres last year and with revenues approaching £1 billion, Prinx Chengshan is well established as a tyre maker. The company is already present in the UK with its Austone and Fortune brands and in 2023 is launching its flagship Prinx range here. The first three tyre lines to arrive include two products for electric vehicles as well as an all-season tyre.

A recent survey has found that only six per cent of UK motorists can correctly identify a tyre’s load rating. Worse still, we’re only half as good at accomplishing this task as the Germans are. Thankfully, younger drivers offer hope that this may change in future.

BMW M has chosen Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres for the BMW i4 M50, the high-performance division’s first all-electric car. Pirelli is supplying this original equipment tyre in the front axle size 255/35R20 97Y XL P-ZERO(*) elt and the rear axle 285/30R20 99Y XL P-ZERO(*) elt.

The first entirely electric Škoda to wear the brand’s go-fast vRS badge has now arrived in UK showrooms. The Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV vRS delivers up to 299PS and a maximum torque of 460 Nm, enabling the car to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 111mph. Enyaq Coupé iV vRS models are equipped with black 20-inch Taurus wheels as standard or optional 21-inch Vision wheels with an anthracite finish. Three brands of original equipment tyre are available.

Europe’s first dedicated all-season electric vehicle tyre has arrived. The Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV is now available, and manufacturer Apollo Tyres says it features a “range of advanced design features and materials.” Developed specifically for year-round use by battery electric vehicles and hybrids, Apollo created the tyre to deliver greater driving range while providing superior levels of grip and traction in all conditions – including ice and snow.