Last year,MichelinandGoodyearreleased their first tires designed exclusively for electric vehicles.
But why do EVs need special tires at all?
First off, its about the weight.
Because of the battery,EVsgenerally weigh more than traditional gas guzzlers.
Then comes another characteristic EV drivers know and love: instant torque and acceleration.
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So how do EV tires differ?
For instance, the center part of Michelins tire tread pattern uses a high stiffness rubber compound.
Goodyear created its tire with an asymmetric tread pattern and specialized tread compound.
Pirelli has developed a new formulation based on functionalized polymers.
The three companies have also focused on adding to the EVs noiseless value and rightfully so.
And theres driving comfort to consider as well.
An electric motor is nearly silent, which means that tire noise can be more noticeable and annoying.
Goodyear and Michelin offer similar technologies, with the latter adding a custom-developed polyurethane foam.
Were witnessing a shift to EVs not only by automakers, but by the industry in general.
Even if EVs arent big business right now, theyre bound to be in a couple of years.
And more manufacturers noticing this and acting makes me hopeful about our electric future.
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW.
With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
