We’re big fans of EVs, and we know electric vehicle drivers truly prize efficiency. That’s why we have included EV-centric features in our smart tire buying guide, Treadwell.
Treadwell lets you shop tires based on efficiency, as well as other critical tire performance features. In a few simple steps, you can find the best tires for you, your vehicle, and your drive.
Ready to check out our tire guide?
START WITH TREADWELL(You can also check out our picks for the best tires for EVs!)
America's Tire holds safety above all else. Choosing the best tires for your vehicle and needs is paramount, including finding the most efficient tires for your EV, hybrid, or gas-powered vehicle alike.
TREADWELL & TIRE EFFICIENCY
First things first: what is tire efficiency?
Tire efficiency refers to how much fuel (or energy) is required to move your tires. This impacts your gas-powered vehicle’s fuel efficiency and your EV’s battery range.
Treadwell accounts for tire efficiency, allowing drivers to prioritize battery range over other performance features. This factor is becoming more relevant as more drivers opt for hybrids and electric vehicles. Rising gas prices have made efficiency an important consideration for gas-powered vehicle owners as well.
Historically, tire manufacturers didn’t typically test or report efficiency data. You can check out Treadwell’s testing methodology here.
“Treadwell has always been about elevating consumer purchase confidence and providing an expert tire recommendation. Adding tire efficiency data helps Treadwell take that recommendation to the next level.”
— Josh Sortor, Treadwell Product Director
Treadwell:
- Allows you to rank the importance of efficiency and other driving priorities in your search
- Weighs efficiency according to your driving habits based on your vehicle and fuel type (gas, hybrid, or electric)
Displays efficiency data and offers tire comparisons using a 5 point scale
We always strive to better our customer’s experience and service; keep an eye out for future updates and improvements!
WHAT AFFECTS EV RANGE?
Many things affect how efficiently your vehicle moves regardless if it is gas or electric powered. Factors include (in no particular order):
Temperature (external and within your tire)
Regenerative braking
Resistance (wind or drag)
Tire air pressure
HVAC
Rolling resistance
Driving style
You can see from the list above that tire conditions are a major portion of where energy is spent. This makes them an important factor in achieving increased battery range (or higher fuel efficiency).
That’s why so many tire manufacturers build EV-specific tires.
What is rolling resistance?
Rolling resistance refers to the effort required to keep a tire moving. Low rolling resistance tires (sometimes called LRR tires) are more energy efficient because they require less energy to rotate.
There can be around a 10% change in energy due to rolling resistance for EVs.
Gas-powered vehicles won’t see as much change as electric vehicles as they experience less engine heat and drivetrain losses; they only lose about 3–4% efficiency.
LRR tires have many features that improve efficiency, including reduced flex to their tread. This is because it takes more energy to rotate tires that bend or flex in rotation.
Using low rolling resistance tires means that your battery spends less energy moving your tires (and so your vehicle), therefore extending your EV battery range. That’s why most EV manufacturers equip their vehicles with LRR tires as a standard.
Temperature & Air Pressure
Not only are extreme temperatures bad for your EV’s battery, they’re not great for your tires either.
Temperature has a direct effect on tire air pressure. They will deflate in cooler weather (by several PSI) and inflate in warmer weather or after extended use.
Your EV’s range will be negatively affected by improper tire inflation as tires require more energy to spin when deflated. Overinflated tires are dangerous as they’re prone to blowouts.
Proper tire pressure improves fuel economy for both electric and gas powered vehicles. For every loss of 1 PSI (all four tires), efficiency can drop by 0.4% according to the Department of Energy. This adds up quickly.
The air in your tires is what is actually supporting your vehicle’s weight. Stress to your engine reduces efficiency. Testing shows that a reduction of 20% in psi from the recommended tire pressure can reduce your range by up to six percent.
Tire air pressure affects:
Fuel efficiency
Handling
We recommend regularly checking your tire air pressure. We offer free airchecks with no appointment required!
FREE AIR CHECKTreadwear
It may seem counterintuitive, but new tires are actually less efficient than worn tires.
Treadwear wears away your tire’s rubber tread, making it lighter, smoother, and easier to roll. New tires have deep, thick treads that are heavier which require more energy to rotate.
A worn tire can be up to 10% more efficient (via rolling resistance) than a new tire.
Even low rolling resistance (LRR) or more efficient tires experience this. New LRR or efficient tires may still negatively impact your fuel efficiency or battery range when compared to worn tires. This isn’t a reason for concern as it’s just the nature of your old tire’s condition.
Manufacturers want to outclass their competition, so you’ll find that Original Equipment (OE) tires that come with your new vehicle are a little more efficient than aftermarket tires.
Our product development team estimates that replacement tires may be no more than 10% less efficient, however, so don’t knock them out of the running.
Unfortunately, since fuel efficiency and battery range aren’t a market regulated concept yet, it’s very difficult to truly compare tires based on efficiency.
Driving Habits
Where and how you drive is also very important to your tire’s ability to efficiently move your electric vehicle.
And of course, how you drive your vehicle will have a big impact on range/efficiency. Driving habits that affect efficiency include:
Rapid acceleration and high speeds
Off-road or aggressive driving*
Excessive idling
Hard braking
*Off-road EVs such as EV trucks are niche scenarios but even frequent driving on light non-paved terrain can affect your range.
Stop-and-go driving usually is more efficient in electric vehicles (as opposed to gas powered) because many EVs utilize regenerative braking. The constant draw of energy to keep the vehicle moving on the highway (and at higher speeds, too) is taxing on your battery.
The region you drive is also important because, as previously mentioned, extreme temperatures can interfere with both your EV’s battery and tires. Batteries are happiest around 60-70℉ and will experience a 20% decrease in range near freezing (36℉). This effect is also seen in higher temps, though to a lesser degree. Tires should be used at the temperatures they’re designed for (all-season vs winter tire for example).
Ready to roll?
Choosing the right tire is important in keeping you and your vehicle as safe and functional as possible. If you’re unsure what works best for you, drop by, give us a ring, or make an appointment with us and we’ll get you taken care of! Save time and buy and book online!