Everyone knows how essential tires are to a car. But did you know that they can affect the
range of an electric car? Do you think tire size matters? Yes, using bigger wheels on an
electric car can put a big dent in the available range.
Larger tires are generally used for handling, as greater width gives the vehicle a larger
contact patch and more grip. However, wider tires also increase the frontal area of the car.
Throughout this long journey, it has been proven that the type of rubber, the size of the
rims, and the width of the tires affect the dynamics and handling of the car. It is imperative
in the case of electric cars.
Specialized low-rolling-resistance tireو are frequently fitted to electric automobiles at the
factory to increase efficiency but at the price of grip. According to Fenske’s estimations,
these tires offer 53 more miles of range than less-efficient high-performance tires, which is
a difference of 200 miles. Hence, while having stickier tires may improve the handling of an
electric vehicle, they might come at a cost in terms of reduced range.
How Tires Change Their Range
The tire profile’s height is another factor influencing the power reserve. Hence, an
increase in tire profile of 28.6% (from 35 to 45 mm) can result in a 15% improvement
in mileage while maintaining the same tire radius. The signs, in this case, depend on
other vehicle features. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 exhibited a 15% rise, while
the Model S and Model X vehicles showed an 8–9% increase.
One more factor is tire size. Let’s return to Tesla models since their information is
more easily accessible. A 19-inch tire uses around 5% less energy than a 21-inch tire
on the Tesla Model S P100D. The difference between the Tesla S 60D, 75D, and 90D
versions is about 12%. And the distinction is much more pronounced on the Tesla
Model X P100D: Compared to a 22-inch tire, 20-inch tires offer a 23.3% reduction in
energy use.
The proper tire pressure is another crucial detail. Many motorists overlook this
aspect. As the grip area of the wheel grows due to low tire pressure, energy
consumption rises.
Discs also add to the use of energy. Because a larger disc weighs more, an electric
car’s engine must expend more power to move the wheel. This conclusion is still
applicable if you use a disc with the same diameter but a heavier alloy.
The properties of the rubber itself are a further consideration. Hard rubber is ideal
since it has a smooth pattern and few protrusions, requiring less energy to drive the
automobile.
Tire Parameter
One crucial factor merits consideration: all investigations on the impact of tire parameters
are conducted using a calculating approach or on a unique stand. Other factors include wind
speed, season (winter or summer), rolling resistance, how different tire types interact with
the road surface, etc. It cannot be considered because of this. The effectiveness of
employing the resources offered by the batteries and battery of an electric vehicle can be
improved, nevertheless, by selecting the correct wheels.
Wheel Diameter
Another vital factor is the wheel diameter. Fenske determined that the range of a Model 3
Performance driven at a constant 75 mph was around 40 miles fewer with 20-inch wheels
than with 30 inch rims using coast-down resistance data Tesla sends to the EPA for
efficiency testing. Differences were also seen with the Model S Performance and Model X
Performance; however, they were less pronounced but still noticeable.
Energy-Efficient Tires
Certain tire manufacturers have been working on energy-efficient tires for several years due
to the active development of electric vehicles and the significance of increasing the
effectiveness of using an electric car’s battery charge. Such wheels can transform thermal
energy (heat from the sun or while driving) into electrical energy and deliver it to the
battery since they have a specific thermal coating.
How does rolling resistance affect electric car range?
The lower the rolling resistance of an electric car, the greater its efficiency and range.
Several factors cause rolling resistance, but most factors, such as road quality, are not within
your control. However, one major factor that your car control is the wheel size.
How does tire construction affect EV range?
Energy-inefficient tire construction, sub-optimal inflation, and other factors can adversely
impact the EV range. An underinflated tire is less stiff, and its deformation is much higher,
leading to more heat dissipation and, ultimately, higher rolling resistance and poor range
efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Durable tires aid in maximizing range. According to a study, differences in rolling resistance
brought on by changes in tire pressure may result in 4% higher energy demands or roughly
58 kilowatt-hours per car yearly. It represents a complete charge for a typical long-range EV.
