Why Do Electric Vehicle Tires Wear Out More Quickly?

Having to swap out tires seasonally during the spring and fall means many Canadian drivers are very tire-literate. But as more car buyers switch to electric vehicles (EVs), some will have to think about budgeting for new tires more often than if they were driving a gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, in some cases, 20 per cent sooner.

Read on to discover why EV tires wear out so quickly and how to make them last longer.

Unique Tire Design

EVs, with their heavy batteries and torquey electric motors, necessitate specialized tires. These tires are not your run-of-the-mill rubber designed for gas-powered cars. They are engineered with unique tread patterns and compounds to lower the vehicle's rolling resistance, improve energy efficiency, and maximize an EV's driving range. These tires also boast sturdier sidewalls to handle the batteries' extra weight. They offer more grip and responsiveness to recapture energy from an EV's braking system, which also helps increase driving range. Lastly, EV tires are designed with noise-cancellation features to complement the quiet nature of electric cars.

EVs Weigh More

The elephant in the room with any EV is the extra weight of their batteries. EVs, particularly those with larger battery packs, are significantly heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts.

For example, a base 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD compact SUV, powered by a four-cylinder gas engine, weighs about 1,580 kilograms (3,483 pounds). But if we weigh the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which adds batteries to its gas engine, the tires must deal with an extra 340 kilograms, a 21.5 per cent increase. Similarly, a 2026 BMW 530i xDrive mid-size luxury sedan with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine weighs 1,886 kg (4,158 lb), while the all-electric version, the i5 M60 xDrive, weighs in at 2,380 kg (5,247 lb), a 26.2 per cent increase in vehicle weight.

In both of these examples, the added heft of the electrified model places extra strain on the tires, particularly during cornering and braking.

Instant Torque

One of the key technical aspects of an EV’s powertrain that significantly impacts tire wear is the instant torque. Unlike gasoline engines, which gradually increase torque, electric motors deliver maximum torque almost instantly. This immediate force on the tires allows EVs to accelerate rapidly from a standstill.

Citing our previous examples, the gas RAV4's powertrain generates 184 pound-feet of torque. This results in a zero to 97 km/h (60 mph) acceleration time of 8.3 seconds. Comparatively, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's gas engine makes less torque (165 lb-ft). But, it gets an additional 199-lb-ft bump from the front electric motor and an extra 89 lb-ft from the rear motor, significantly reducing the plug-in’s acceleration time to just 5.4 seconds.

Not surprisingly, the torque output differences between the BMW sedans are more dramatic.

The 530i delivers 295 lb-ft from its turbo-four, resulting in a 5.8-second run to 100 km/h. The M60 uses three electric motors (one at the front and two at the rear) for a combined 605 lb-ft, resulting in a much quicker 3.3-second time.

While instant acceleration is a key benefit of EVs, the cost of the thrill is extra stress on the tires. The quick torque application from the electric motors increases tire scrubbing and abrasion on the road, and the excessive friction results in faster wear and tear of the tire treads.

How to Help EV Tires Last Longer

While it may be tempting to save money by getting traditional tires, EV-specific tires are designed for durability and a longer lifespan. If you are in the market to replace your EV's rubber, look for high-quality EV-specific tires designed to handle the weight load of your vehicle. These tires often have an "XL" (Extra Load) or "HL" (High Load) rating, indicating they can handle heavier loads without overheating.

Regular maintenance is a key aspect of responsible automobile ownership, whether you're driving a gas or an electric car. So, check your EV tires' air pressure regularly to ensure they are properly inflated, as underinflated tires can wear out more quickly and negatively affect efficiency. Also, periodically rotate your tires to promote even wear across all four corners of the car. Remember, proper tire maintenance ensures a smoother ride and contributes to the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle’s tires.

Finally, and this may take some discipline, try to avoid rapid acceleration, abrupt braking, and aggressive cornering when driving your EV, as these maneuvers cause undue strain on the tires.