Choose the right tyres for electric vehicles

Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are being advised to pay close attention to the tyres they choose when the originals need replacing.

According to TyreSafe, increasingly, the tyres fitted on EVs are specifically designed for use on this type of vehicle and can be significantly different to the ‘normal’ tyres motorists are familiar with. It warns that EV owners fitting the wrong type of tyre could result in loss of range, extra noise, accelerated wear and the risk of failing while being driven, which could result in a serious incident.

Factors to take into consideration include:

Vehicle weight – EVs are well-known for being heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents, so an owner must be aware of their tyre’s load rating when a replacement is needed, as well as maintaining the recommended tyre pressure at all times.

Rolling resistance – getting this wrong can impact on the maximum range of an EV. A tyre should have the least rolling resistance as possible, however a balance needs to be struck as grip is essential for safety when it comes to braking. Minimising rolling resistance while providing adequate grip seems like a contradictory requirement but this is a key performance characteristic for EVs to ensure maximum range.

Robustness – EVs produce maximum power from standing, which places high demands on the rubber compound of the tyres. The right mixture of components and appropriate tread pattern will provide a tyre lifespan comparable with petrol or diesel vehicles.

Noise – as EV motors produce very little noise, the quiet cabin environment is one of the big attractions of these cars, which could easily be ruined by the wrong choice of tyre.

If in doubt, choosing a like-for-like tyre to the factoryfitted ones will allow EV owners to enjoy the full benefit of the electric car revolution and reduce the risks of an incident.

More information can be found at tyresafe.org in the ‘About Tyres’ section.

The switch to E10

You will no doubt be aware that a new type of petrol is now available at the pumps.

The new E10 fuel aims to cut CO2 emissions, potentially by up to 750,000 tonnes per year, or the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road. The government hopes this will contribute towards its target to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The new fuel type is more environmentally friendly as it uses a higher proportion of ethanol to regular petrol. Previously, five per cent was used compared with 10 per cent for E10 – hence the name. Ethanol is alcohol-based and is made by the fermentation of plants such as sugarcane and grains, which balances out the carbon dioxide produced by cars when it is used.

E10 is much cleaner to use than the old E5, and is already in wide use in other countries across Europe, including France, Germany and Belgium.

Older cars made in the early 2000s, and classic cars, may not be compatible with E10, but will be able to continue to use E5 premium or super grade fuel. Using E10 in a non-compatible car may not cause immediate problems, but they could develop over time and may not be covered by your insurer.

To check your car for compatibility, see www.check-vehiclecompatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/manufacturer/