If you happened to miss it, there has been significant discussion surrounding electric cars and tires recently. Electric vehicles not only wear out their tires and roads faster due to their relatively heavy weight, but the instant power they deliver also speeds up this process. Owners are surprised to discover this firsthand because, according to J.D. Power, their daily drivers go through tires like nobody’s business. Furthermore, many were allegedly not informed about this potential issue.
This highlights several shortcomings in the vehicle purchasing process. As per J.D. Power’s findings, electric vehicle owners typically expect tire wear similar to that of traditional internal combustion cars. This indicates that the advancement in adoption has outpaced proper education. This lack of awareness can be observed in both buyers and sellers at new car dealerships. The excitement surrounding EVs from automakers often blinds customers to potential drawbacks, while salespeople may not be aware or willing to disclose crucial information about the differences in owning an electric vehicle.
Ashley Edgar, senior director of benchmarking and alternative mobility at J.D. Power, states that this is a challenge that should be tackled by both vehicle manufacturers and tire producers:
“The widening satisfaction gap between EVs and gas-powered vehicles emphasizes an opportunity for tire manufacturers and automakers to enlighten EV owners about performance differences. Moreover, due to the inherent dilemma of maximizing vehicle range and optimizing tire durability for EVs, tire manufacturers and automakers must collaborate to address this issue without entirely compromising tire performance in other aspects, particularly considering the growing EV market.”
Today, major OEMs such as Michelin and Goodyear offer tires specifically designed for electric vehicles. While marketing is one factor, the distinct requirements of EV tires are another reason. They need to achieve a different balance of durability, weight, and flexibility without negatively affecting vehicle range or generating excessive noise. This is quite a challenge when dealing with hefty sedans weighing 6,000 pounds and “midsize” trucks as heavy as a dually pickup.
Automotive dealer software company CDK Global conducted an extensive study on EV service in late 2023. In the study, one respondent noted that “when it comes to EVs, tires are the new oil change.” We previously reported a story in August about Rivian R1Ts needing new tires after just 6,000 miles. While not all EV owners face such rapid wear, the comparison holds true considering most service shops recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles for gasoline-powered vehicles.
It becomes even more concerning when you look at the price tag of EV-specific tires. If you opt for the Goodyear ElectricDrive, the starting cost is $201 per tire. Stepping up to the ElectricDrive GT models will set you back $271 each, adding up to nearly $1,100 for a set. While suitable for a Tesla Model 3, these tires are not a perfect fit for a Rivian. The 275/65R20 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tires for a Rivian cost $461.68 each.
Rivian
Electric vehicles undoubtedly have a role in the future of transportation. Nonetheless, the industry still has much to do in educating customers about the advantages and disadvantages while also creating products that offer better value to consumers. The challenge is to provide companies with incentives to do so, especially at a time when selling EVs is already challenging. There seems to be a slim chance of a salesperson discussing maintenance costs.
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