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If you drive an electric car or are thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle, you may have questions about the tires. By now, you're aware that tire manufacturers and dealers advertise EV tires as a separate type of tire. But what makes an EV tire different from the tires you install on a vehicle fueled by gasoline?

And if there is a difference, is it big enough to warrant the purchase of EV tires over other, potentially more economically priced tires?

Here's a closer look at why tire manufacturers create EV-specific tires:

Weight: An electric vehicle tends to weigh significantly more than a gas vehicle. This is because the battery in electric cars needs to be heavy (thousands of pounds) in order to achieve a greater range. An electric vehicle may weigh 500-1000 lbs. or more over a comparable gasoline vehicle. The tires need to support this weight. However, the tires should also be narrow for aerodynamics and efficiency. This means EV tires must not only contend with a lot of weight but with a lot of weight over a smaller contact area. Tire manufacturers look at different ways of constructing EV tires to ensure the tires can support the weight of the vehicle while delivering the right levels of performance in other areas of importance.

Efficiency: EV tires are stiffer than tires installed on a gas vehicle. This allows for better support of the electric vehicle's weight, reduces the rate of tire wear, and ensures better handling. Does this mean EV tires are less comfortable? Not quite. If you were to put EV tires on a gasoline vehicle, it's true that you would probably experience an uncomfortable ride. However, EV tires installed on an electric vehicle won't result in the same loss of comfort. Due to the way EV vehicles and tires are designed, you will also achieve more miles from an EV tire vs a comparable tire installed on a gas vehicle. In fact, if you were to install non-EV tires on an electric vehicle, they could wear out around 20% faster than if you had installed EV tires.

Range: One factor that contributes to an electric vehicle's range is a tire's rolling resistance. It's typical for EV tires to net electric car drivers extra miles compared to the regular tires installed on a gas vehicle. Some tests have shown that EV tires provide their drivers with an extra 20-30 miles over the course of a 200-mile drive. That adds up over time!

Noise Reduction: Electric vehicles aren't as loud as their gasoline-fueled counterparts. As a result, noise reduction requires more consideration with EV tires. To create a quite ride, EV tire manufacturers use special tread designs and material to absorb sound and reduce road noise levels.

Ultimately, electric vehicle tires are designed differently and with several considerations in mind that contribute to a better driving experience for electric vehicle owners. If you're in the market for electric vehicle tires in Waco, Texas, contact the team at Texas Star Tire & Auto Repair. We offer a wide selection of EV tires from leading brands and are happy to answer any questions you have. Use the online tire catalog to get started.