
EVs are changing up the auto industry in numerous ways, but tires are still just tires, right? That's not necessarily the case, as highlighted by a recent Automotive News report. Tires designed for specific automotive genres (sedans, SUVs, etc) usually perform best in those areas, but tire manufacturers are essentially looking at EVs overall as a genre that requires special attention
That's because there are factors unique to electric vehicles that can affect tire performance and longevity. For example, the report highlights power delivery, and it's not just about having gobs of horsepower or torque. Rather, it's about electric motors sending that power to the tires instantly. Obviously, flooring the accelerator with such power underfoot sends the tires up in smoke regardless of electric or combustion power. But under normal driving conditions, how does that instant hit of torque affect tire performance and wear?