Why do Michelin and Goodyear have special tires for electric vehicles?

What distinguishes a tire specifically designed for an electric vehicle, like the ElectricDrive GT introduced by Goodyear, from a conventional tire?

The American manufacturer Goodyear finally responds to the French company Michelin, a pioneer in this field, in the market for special tires for electric cars. It introduced in the United States the ElectricDrive GT, which will initially be offered in a single size: 255/45R19 104 W XL. Corresponding to the specifications of Tesla Models 3 and Y equipped with “sport” rims, which are standard on “Long Range” versions.

Goodyear thus targets Michelin, and more specifically its Pilot Sport EV, which Teslas have been equipped with as original equipment for about a year, including across the Atlantic. The French tire manufacturer had designed a tire for the Renault Zoe as early as 2012, but quickly replaced it with the conventional “Energy Saver” tire. It returned with the e.Primacy in November 2020, then with the Pilot Sport EV in February 2021.

Heavier, more efficient, and quieter

Special tires for electric cars are adapted to their specificities: they are both heavier than their thermal counterparts, quieter, and often more efficient, as they can deliver maximum torque from 0 RPM.

Some seemingly ordinary electric cars, such as the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2, offer acceleration worthy of true sports cars. This explains why Tesla comes equipped with a tire from the sporty Pilot Sport range as original equipment, which also outfits cars like the Porsche 911.

Appropriate Tires

Manufacturers have developed specific rubber compounds that promise reduced friction without compromising grip. However, in practice, both Michelin’s tires for electric cars are rated B for wet grip when compared to their conventional counterparts, which are rated A. Goodyear has not disclosed the rating of its tire, as it is not yet subject to this European regulation.

Reducing rolling resistance also improves efficiency, which benefits better range—something that is not the strong suit of electric vehicles. Michelin claims an increase in range of up to 10%.

Given the silence of electric motors, the main sounds heard inside electric vehicles are air noise and rolling noise. Tire manufacturers therefore also pay attention to this aspect. The Goodyear ElectricDrive GT incorporates a “sound barrier” technology called SoundComfort, without further details. Michelin, for its part, states that its Pilot Sport EV includes an “Acoustic” strip, apparently made of foam, which reduces rolling noise by about 20%.

Finally, Michelin claims its tires for electric cars are carbon neutral, via funding projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.

Where to buy tires for an electric vehicle

The Goodyear ElectricDrive GT are only available in the United States. The special tires for electric vehicles from Michelin, on the other hand, are available in France at usual retailers. You can find the e.Primacy for around 100 euros depending on the size, and the Pilot Sport EV for approximately 300 euros.