HERE’S something you possibly didn’t know about electric vehicles (EVs). Most EVs have tyres that are specific to the vehicle and are fitted as original equipment. So if the tyres are damaged or worn, you can’t expect to pop down to the road and slap a new pair on – this may require a bit of forward planning.
ATS Euromaster is advising fleet managers to plan maintenance cycles for tyre wear on EVs, so drivers are kept on the road and downtime is minimised. ATS also points out that fleet managers need to know which tyres should be fitted for replacement.
Tyres built specifically for battery-powered vehicles will vary by manufacturer, but some will have a special structure to support the additional weight of the battery. ATS expects there to be no greater wear rate for EV tyres, despite the battery weight and the instant acceleration – so long as the correct tyre pressure and settings are used.
While it isn’t mandatory to fit like-for-like tyres, what is important when it comes to replacement is that the correct tyre size and load ratings for the vehicle are used, no matter which product is selected, says Mark Holland, Operations Director at ATS Euromaster.
“Tyres for electric vehicles will generally have better-rolling resistance, maximising the distance the car can travel. Because there’s not as much noise created by these vehicles – since there’s no internal combustion engine – these tyres will have better dB reduction, so less road noise can be heard inside the cabin as a result. Fitting the correct tyres for electric vehicles will not only make it a better in-car experience for fleet drivers, but also provide the best performance from the vehicle.
“Check the owner’s manual for any information on how to change a tyre, in case there are any specific instructions, plus details on the vehicle’s tyre size and load ratings. Not following such advice may lead to unplanned vehicle downtime that may affect the business.”
ATS information for fleet EV tyre replacement
· Specific tyres for EVs are only just arriving onto the market, meaning there will be fewer choices available compared with other tyres and patterns.
· An EV tyre is like a homologation on a vehicle: the original tyres should be replaced by the same ones where possible, but if not, the correct size and load ratings must be met.
· Changing a tyre on an EV model is the same as on an ICE vehicle. However, the location of the battery in some vehicles means special jacking rubber pads are needed on the jacks to avoid damaging the battery. The driver should also refer to the owner’s manual for any specific actions required.
· Tyres should always be changed in vehicle sets – but if this isn’t possible, then change in pairs. New tyres should always be fitted to the rear for improved stability in poor conditions, with the older tyres moved to the front if they’re in good condition and still legal.
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