As electric vehicles (EVs) become more commonplace on UK roads, it’s essential to understand the integral role tyres play in optimising performance. Read on to understand the unique demands of EVs – extra weight, high torque and a need for energy efficiency – when considering tyres. 

Why tyre choice for EVs is so important

EVs place greater stress on tyres and some consumers have been replacing tyres a bit more often than they expected There are many reasons for this!

The immediate torque produced by electric motors can accelerate tyre wear, requiring enhanced durability and performance from tyres. It is because the high power of an EV is delivered to the wheels very quickly and more intensely than in petrol cars – even EVs designed as family cars boast performance (especially acceleration) figures that can embarrass some seriously exotic cars.

 And that’s before considering the extra weight of the battery pack. A Tesla Model 3 can weigh 3,600lbs whilst a Toyota Prius weighs 3,000lbs. They both have four wheels and four tyres, the point is the heavier electric vehicle simply requires more of the tyre.

Another major factor is that EVs are just oh-so quiet. And that means road noise becomes much more noticeable. As a result, sound-dampening and acoustic control becomes more important for tyres than ever it was. 

Energy efficiency is hugely important for electric vehicle owners. With EVs, range anxiety is real and wringing every mile out of the battery counts. Tyres with low rolling resistance are crucial in maximising battery life. 

Where to go for the EV driver?

Buying a tyre should not be hard and trusting the quality of the Kumho brand has never been easier. 

It is why Kumho has developed a new range of tyres, ECSTA Sport and ECSTA Sport S, that are EV compatible across the range. This means the same range of tyres can be used on a petrol, diesel, or hybrid as on an EV – making the choice super simple. 

Kumho has stepped up to the performance challenge with a strong offer to EV drivers.

Kumho offers two options – the EV specific PS71 EV and the EV compatible (which is perfect for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and EVs) ECSTA Sport and Sport S.

The PS71 EV offers a 15% improvement in rolling resistance over standard tyres to help out the all-important range. And more range means a lower carbon footprint as well as reduced range-anxiety and charging inconvenience.

Starting with suitability for the EV platform, the Kumho products are engineered with rubber compounds that will confidently transfer the power to the road and keep on doing so through a reasonable life-span. For drivers with the heaviest EVs Kumho has tyres in the range with the important HL marking -  this means they are suitable for some of the biggest EVs on the market. 

Next, sound deadening - and this is where Kumho’s cutting-edge K-Silent technology comes in. By integrating a layer of sound-absorbing foam, Kumho reduces resonance and ensures a peaceful cabin experience, even at high speeds. 

Which tyre is right for you?

If the size is right, choose ECSTA Sport or PS71 EV – we don’t think you will regret it. 

If you drive a performance EV then it’s ECSTA Sport S all the way for you. The design of the tread pattern and materials is well suited to keen drivers and powerful vehicles.

Summing Up:

Tyres should not be overlooked as we shift towards net zero. 

The need for innovative, high-performance tyres is clear, and with more consumers embracing EVs, the demand for EV-specific tyres will only continue to grow. 

Kumho is not just meeting this demand; it’s shaping it. From pioneering sound-dampening technology to focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability, it is setting the stage for the future of driving.

Kumho’s commitment to the EV sector goes far beyond just providing tyres. It’s about offering expertise, developing sustainable solutions and staying ahead of the curve in this fast-evolving market. 

Richard Lyons, Managing Director Kumho Tyre UK, sums it up: “Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive landscape, and the tyres designed for them need to meet a whole new set of challenges. The focus is on efficiency, durability and noise reduction, ensuring that both performance and comfort align with the unique demands of EVs. At Kumho, we are committed to driving innovation, ensuring our tyres are at the forefront of this sustainable revolution.”