EV Tyre Buying Guide

One of the joys of owning an electric vehicle is how low maintenance they are compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. EVs have far simpler engines with less friction and less wear and tear on engine parts. However, there is one maintenance issue where EV owners need to pay close attention: which vehicle tyres are the right choice for their electric car.

In fact, the rubber on which your EV rolls down the road is one of the most important maintenance considerations in owning an electric vehicle. The special profile of an EV means it can be harder on tyres, with tests showing tyres wear out faster compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. That's partly due to the heavier weight of an EV but also instant torque - the iconic, super-fast acceleration of an electric car that never fails to impress. Then there's the issue of tyre noise, where suddenly the sound coming from the tyres can seem too loud in the relative quiet of an electric vehicle. All these EV features combined make choosing the right tyres for an electric car crucial in getting the most out of your EV and ensuring a comfortable, refined drive.

So what do EV owners need to know about tyres for electric vehicles to make the right choice when the time comes for a new set of replacement tyres? And what are the factors you'll need to consider when buying tyres for your EV? Carmakers spend a lot of effort pairing an electric vehicle with just the right tyre that will enhance the car's performance, so it is important to choose tyres on par with the original equipment (OE) specifications for your vehicle.

It also helps to clarify your priorities - what kind of ride you want from the tyres you end up buying for your EV. No one tyre can do it all, but understanding the key considerations when selecting tyres for an electric car will help you choose tyres that best meet your expectations. Ideally, the most efficient tyres for your EV will offer a combination of durability and performance that can stand up to the demands of an EV and deliver a long-lasting, quiet drive.

For Australian drivers, there are additional factors to consider. Australia's hot climate accelerates tyre wear and places extra thermal stress on compounds - making heat-resistant tyres especially important for EV owners. With charging infrastructure still growing outside major cities, maximising your EV's range on a single charge is also critical for drivers heading into regional or rural areas.

Tyres designed and optimised for an electric vehicle are first and foremost able to handle an EV's weight. Electric cars tend to be heavier than their ICE counterparts primarily because of the batteries. And that number is on the rise, especially as EV makers look for ways to extend the range of an electric vehicle with bigger, heavier battery packs. Popular EVs in Australia such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, and Kia EV6 are significantly heavier than their petrol equivalents - and larger EV SUVs like the Kia EV9 can weigh as much as a full-size petrol-powered 4WD. This makes the choice of replacement tyres an important one.

EV Ready tyres can handle all that extra weight without compromising performance, by offering a higher load index - the maximum safe carrying capacity of a tyre when fully inflated. Higher load index tyres rely on specialised tread and rubber compounds, plus optimised tyre design to withstand the heavier weight of an EV and its hungry instant torque. They grip the road for secure braking without increasing the rolling resistance of the tyre or compromising the battery's range.

Check the sidewall of a tyre to confirm it offers an adequate load index for your electric vehicle, as indicated in your owner's manual. The newer range of high-load tyres, abbreviated "HL", has been specially developed to do the heavy lifting required by certain electric vehicles - particularly larger EV SUVs.

An EV-specific tyre also needs to check a few boxes related to performance. Quiet tyres that don't overpower the relative silence of an EV motor are an important factor to consider. So is low rolling resistance - EV makers often work with tyre manufacturers to develop EV-specific tyres that will maximise a vehicle's range. Rolling resistance is essentially the friction that occurs when the tyre meets the road, which translates into energy loss and, for an electric vehicle, ultimately determines range and how far it can go on a single charge. Michelin has long been a leader in producing energy-efficient tyres with low rolling resistance - now more important than ever in the EV era - which means allMichelin tyres are EV Ready.

One thing that is important to understand when buying tyres for an electric vehicle is that no one tyre can do it all. Carmakers often prioritise range when optimising original equipment (OE) tyres for an electric vehicle, but with low rolling resistance and improved range come trade-offs, such as less grip or greater tyre wear. Tyre manufacturers like Michelin have made huge advances in recent years in developing tyres that reduce these trade-offs. Building on decades of experience in designing tyres for efficiency and a refined ride, Michelin offers a complete range of tyre families that deliver on grip, wear, range and noise for EV owners.

The Michelin Primacy 5 Energy is an excellent choice for EV owners looking for a tyre designed for ideal rolling resistance that helps extend their drive. It is engineered to deliver low rolling resistance alongside excellent wet grip - a combination that suits Australian highway driving and the variable conditions of long-distance travel.

For EV owners concerned about tyre wear, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Energy offers outstanding durability and performance for high-performance electric vehicles. It's built to withstand the instant torque and heavier weight of EVs, while delivering the grip and handling expected from a performance tyre - including the stability needed at Australian highway speeds.

Australians love SUVs, and electric SUVs are rapidly gaining popularity. Models like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQB are among the most popular EVs on Australian roads - and many owners use them to tow caravans, trailers or boats. This places significant additional demands on tyres, combining the already heavy weight of an EV battery with the dynamic load of towing.

If you tow with your EV SUV, it is especially important to check the tyre's load rating and ensure it is rated for the combined weight of your vehicle and the load being towed. High-load (HL) rated tyres offer even greater carrying capacity and are increasingly available for popular EV SUV sizes. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended tyre specifications when towing.

Besides the matrix of grip, tyre wear, efficiency and noise, there are other aspects to consider when buying tyres for an electric vehicle. The ideal aerodynamics for an EV tyre is less talked about but also plays a role. Narrower tyres increase EV range, as can a thicker sidewall, which translates into lower rolling resistance for a longer drive compared to a wider wheel with thinner sidewalls.

So how can an EV owner be sure that a tyre is compatible with their car? Double-check that you are getting the right tyre size, including load index, for your vehicle - one that supports its heavier weight and delivers on safety and performance. Understanding your needs and what kind of drive you want remains the best starting point for making the right choice.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream in Australia, and Michelin EV Ready tyres are available through Michelin's national network of authorised tyre dealers. Use Michelin's tyre selector to find the right tyre for your vehicle, fine-tuned to your priorities - whether that's range, tyre wear or a quieter ride.