Why do EV tyres cost more and wear out faster?

Many EV owners get a surprise at their first tyre change: the tyres wore out sooner than on their old car, and the new set costs a bit more. Here's why, and how to get more kilometres from them.

1. EVs are heavier

The battery makes an EV about 30–40% heavier than a similar petrol car. Every kilometre, the tyres carry more load, which means more wear.

2. Instant torque

An electric motor delivers full pulling power the moment you press the pedal. More force goes through the tyres every time you take off. Regular (non-EV) tyres fitted to an EV can wear out up to 20% faster, and many EV tyres last somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 km depending on the size and how you drive.

3. EV tyres are built differently

• Stronger construction. Stiffer sidewalls and a higher load rating to carry the extra weight.
• Low rolling resistance. A harder compound that rolls more easily, so you get more range.
• Noise-reducing foam. Many have a foam strip inside, because without engine noise you'd hear the tyre roar.
• Higher pressures. EVs often run around 40 psi or more, against about 32–34 psi on many petrol cars.

That extra engineering is why EV tyres usually cost a little more than a standard tyre of the same size.

Myth: EV tyres have more friction

It's the opposite. EV tyres are designed to have less rolling resistance than standard tyres, because that saves energy and adds range. The trade-off is that some grip a little less, especially in the wet. Fitting cheap standard tyres to an EV can cut your range and make the car noisier, so check the load rating and look for EV-rated or low rolling resistance tyres.

How to make EV tyres last

• Check pressures monthly and before long trips, using the figure on the car's tyre placard.
• Rotate every 8,000–10,000 km. Heavier cars wear the driven wheels faster.
• Check the wheel alignment regularly. Poor alignment is a major cause of early wear.
• Drive smoothly. Gentle take-offs and cornering, and use eco mode for daily driving.
• Replace at about 3 mm of tread rather than the 1.5 mm legal minimum, for better wet grip. Tyres over about five years old are generally due for replacement too.

Bigger wheels cost range too

Bigger wheels usually come with grippier tyres that cost range and often more money. See do bigger wheels reduce EV range? or try the tyre size and EV range calculator.

Add it all up

Tyres are only one part of the picture. Our free petrol vs hybrid vs EV calculator counts tyres, insurance, servicing, rego, charging or fuel and depreciation over 1 to 8 years, so you can compare the real cost to own. Also read why EV insurance costs more.

Sources: NRMA EV tyre buying guide, RACV, CarsGuide. General information only; follow your car maker's tyre placard and advice.