(NewsNation) — Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown more popular over the years.
A record 1.2 million EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2023, and despite reports of some setbacks, industry experts such as Cox Automotive say the “momentum is there” for the technology.
But along with the environmental benefits and lower maintenance costs electric vehicles have, some drivers have noticed their tires are wearing out quicker than they would on regular cars.
Why do tires wear faster on EVs?
Although tire wear happens the most when cars are going faster, breaking or making sharp turns, Canary Media says all tires shred tiny particles every time they rotate.
According to companies such as Michelin, tires on electric vehicles wear out up to 20% faster than on internal combustion vehicles.
Electric vehicle tires are specifically designed with optimized tread patterns, rubber compounds and sound-absorbing foam. This gives them “better energy efficiency, reduced rolling resistance, and lower road noise,” Caliber Collision writes, while also delivering more immediate torque to the wheels, giving them the ability to go faster from a standstill.
Although these features can make driving fun, they put stress on the vehicle’s tires and increase abrasions on the road, causing more wear and tear.
Batteries on electric vehicles are also heavier than their gas-powered counterparts. An average EV battery can weigh close to 450 kilograms, or 992 pounds, KalTire said, and “long-range, high-end” models can need even bigger ones.
Tire wear can be detrimental to cars themselves and can also cause environmental concerns as well, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. It can cause “tire particulate,” defined by Canary Media as a “toxic slurry of microplastics, volatile organic compounds and other chemical additives” that enter the air, soil and water.
How do you prevent tire wear on an EV?
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your tires, experts suggest making sure to get tires specifically designed to handle the load of an electric vehicle. Experts suggest making sure a tire’s load index meets or exceeds the original equipment specifications.
Regular tire maintenance, such as checking the pressure and rotating them regularly, can prevent problems on the road, as can performing wheel alignments.
Driving smoothly is also important. Accelerating rapidly, breaking abruptly and other maneuvers can lead to strain and a shorter life for your tires.