Advice
EV tyres vs traditional: What sets electric car tyres apart?
Discover how electric vehicle tyres differ from petrol and diesel car tyres, why they cost more, and tips for maintenance and safety.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 15 December 2025 | 0 min read
Did you know that electric cars use different tyres to petrol or diesel cars?
While they might look similar, electric vehicle (EV) tyres are designed differently to handle the unique demands of battery-powered driving. Understanding these differences can save you money, improve your car’s performance, and keep you safer on the road. This guide will take you through the key points: how electric vehicle tyres are designed, why they cost more, how to maintain them, what to do if you get a puncture, and the benefits they offer.
While they might look similar, electric vehicle (EV) tyres are designed differently to handle the unique demands of battery-powered driving. Understanding these differences can save you money, improve your car’s performance, and keep you safer on the road. This guide will take you through the key points: how electric vehicle tyres are designed, why they cost more, how to maintain them, what to do if you get a puncture, and the benefits they offer.
Do electric vehicles need different tyres than petrol cars?
Electric and petrol cars often use similar tyre sizes, but electric vehicles are heavier due to their battery packs, and that extra weight puts more pressure on the tyres. They also deliver torque instantly, which can lead to faster tread wear if the tyres aren’t up to the job.
Because of these factors, electric vehicles usually come equipped with reinforced or “XL” tyres, which are built to carry heavier loads. Some also use low rolling resistance tyres to help extend driving range.
Because of these factors, electric vehicles usually come equipped with reinforced or “XL” tyres, which are built to carry heavier loads. Some also use low rolling resistance tyres to help extend driving range.
How are electric vehicle tyres different to petrol or diesel tyres?
The combination of weight and torque can put more stress on tyres, so electric vehicle tyres are specially reinforce with:
• Stronger sidewalls to support extra weight and maintain stability during acceleration. • Tread design that’s optimised for low rolling resistance to improve range, while still providing grip on wet or slippery roads. • Noise reduction features to keep the cabin quiet. Related: Electric car jargon explained.
• Stronger sidewalls to support extra weight and maintain stability during acceleration. • Tread design that’s optimised for low rolling resistance to improve range, while still providing grip on wet or slippery roads. • Noise reduction features to keep the cabin quiet. Related: Electric car jargon explained.
How much do electric vehicle tyres cost?
Because electric vehicle tyres are specially designed, they cost more to buy and replace than standard petrol or diesel tyres. The average replacement cost is around £150–£250 per tyre in the UK for a typical electric vehicle, though high-performance or long-range tyres can exceed £300 each. By comparison, you’re looking at £90–£130 each for standard petrol/diesel tyres.
But they’re worth investing in. Incorrect or poor-quality tyres can raise your running expenses by hundreds of pounds annually, and can significantly reduce driving range, especially if tyres are under-inflated. The higher upfront cost is balanced by their design benefits better durability under heavier weight, improved efficiency, and longer-term safety.
But they’re worth investing in. Incorrect or poor-quality tyres can raise your running expenses by hundreds of pounds annually, and can significantly reduce driving range, especially if tyres are under-inflated. The higher upfront cost is balanced by their design benefits better durability under heavier weight, improved efficiency, and longer-term safety.
How to maintain electric vehicle tyres
With good care, electric vehicle tyres generally last 30,000 to 60,000 km, similar to regular vehicle tyres. But electric vehicle tyres may require slightly more attention due to their heavier weight and instant torque effects.
Proper maintenance ensures safety and maximises the life of your tyres, so here’s how to keep them in top condition: • Check tyre pressure regularly, as under-inflated tyres reduce range and wear faster. • Regularly rotate your tyres for a more even wear, especially since regenerative braking can stress front tyres more. • Keep your tyres aligned and balanced to prevent uneven wear and maintain smooth handling. • Look for cuts, bulges, or objects lodged in the tread. • Make sure the tread depth in above the legal minimum on 1.6 mm. Related: How to look after your tyres.
Proper maintenance ensures safety and maximises the life of your tyres, so here’s how to keep them in top condition: • Check tyre pressure regularly, as under-inflated tyres reduce range and wear faster. • Regularly rotate your tyres for a more even wear, especially since regenerative braking can stress front tyres more. • Keep your tyres aligned and balanced to prevent uneven wear and maintain smooth handling. • Look for cuts, bulges, or objects lodged in the tread. • Make sure the tread depth in above the legal minimum on 1.6 mm. Related: How to look after your tyres.
Dealing with punctures or a blown tyre
If you get a puncture or blown tyre in your electric vehicle, your options depend on what equipment your car includes.
Since most electric vehicles don’t have space for a full-size spare, manufacturers usually provide either a tyre repair kit, a compact “space-saver” spare, or nothing at all. A repair kit can temporarily seal small tread punctures and reinflate the tyre so you can reach a garage, but it won’t work for larger tears or sidewall damage. If you have a space-saver, you can fit it in place of the damaged tyre, though it’s only safe for short, slow trips until the main tyre is replaced. For more serious issues, such as a blowout, calling roadside assistance is usually the safest move. The best way to avoid stress is to prepare in advance and know exactly what your EV is equipped with. A simple checklist can help: • Check whether your car has a repair kit, space-saver, or no spare at all. • Practice using the repair kit at home so you’re not learning on the roadside. • Carry essentials like gloves, a torch, and a reflective jacket for safety. • Consider buying a compatible spare if you drive long distances or in remote areas. By running through these steps before a puncture happens, you’ll be ready to act quickly when needed.
Since most electric vehicles don’t have space for a full-size spare, manufacturers usually provide either a tyre repair kit, a compact “space-saver” spare, or nothing at all. A repair kit can temporarily seal small tread punctures and reinflate the tyre so you can reach a garage, but it won’t work for larger tears or sidewall damage. If you have a space-saver, you can fit it in place of the damaged tyre, though it’s only safe for short, slow trips until the main tyre is replaced. For more serious issues, such as a blowout, calling roadside assistance is usually the safest move. The best way to avoid stress is to prepare in advance and know exactly what your EV is equipped with. A simple checklist can help: • Check whether your car has a repair kit, space-saver, or no spare at all. • Practice using the repair kit at home so you’re not learning on the roadside. • Carry essentials like gloves, a torch, and a reflective jacket for safety. • Consider buying a compatible spare if you drive long distances or in remote areas. By running through these steps before a puncture happens, you’ll be ready to act quickly when needed.