Why do electric car tires wear out faster?This is what experts say

electric car (Electric vehicles) have become increasingly popular over the years. The adoption of electric vehicles has increased in India, with sales in March 2023 up 82% from the previous year.

Overall, sales grew by 157% from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2023, according to the Times of India. Furthermore, the electric two-wheeler market is expanding rapidly, with more than 100,000 electric vehicles reportedly sold per month in the second half of FY2023.

However, in addition to the environmental benefits and lower maintenance costs of electric vehicles, some people have also noticed that the tires of electric vehicles wear out faster than those of traditional cars.

Electric car tires wear out faster: Here’s why

According to Canary Media, all tires shred small particles every time they rotate, although tire wear is most noticeable when the car is traveling faster, braking, or making sharp turns. Companies such as French tire manufacturer Michelin say electric vehicle tires degrade 20% faster than tires with internal combustion engines.

Electric vehicle tires are specially designed with optimized tread patterns, rubber compounds and sound-absorbing foam. According to Caliber Collision, this results in “better energy efficiency, reduced rolling resistance and reduced road noise” and provides more immediate torque to the wheels, allowing them to accelerate from a stop.

While these features can make driving more enjoyable, they can also increase road wear and strain your car’s tires, causing increased wear. Electric vehicle batteries are also heavier compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Retail company KalTire said the average weight of an electric car battery is nearly 450 kilograms (992 pounds) and that “long-range, high-end” models may require larger batteries.

Tire wear can be harmful to cars and cause environmental problems, especially as the number of electric vehicles grows. It can produce “tire particles,” which Canary Media defines as a “toxic slurry of microplastics, volatile organic compounds and other chemical additives” into the air, soil and water.

Electric Car Tires: How to Prevent Tire Wear

Experts recommend purchasing tires designed to handle the load of an electric vehicle to ensure you get the most out of them. Experts also recommend tires with a load index that equals or exceeds original equipment specifications.

In addition to wheel alignment, routine tire maintenance, including pressure checks and rotations, can help avoid problems while driving. Driving smoothly is also important. Rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and other maneuvers can cause tire strain and shorten their life.