EV Tires

[WXman]

So since buying my Lightning, I've started to see this term passed around a lot: "EV tires".

So, I did what any red blooded American would do. I put that term into Google.

"EV tires differ from regular tires by having a design that handles an EV's extra weight from large batteries, accommodates instantaneous high torque, reduces rolling resistance to maximize range, and minimizes tire noise.."

Ummm... ok. Sure sounds a whole lot like the LT designated tires we've had for decades. Any tire used on a diesel truck over the last 30 years is described in exactly the same way. Me thinks this "EV" stamp is a marketing ploy. I can get LT-D or LT-E tires priced very reasonably that provide the same function.

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[RipInPepz]

Definitely not a marketing scam, at least in my opinion. Theyre used across the board on all EVs. The LT designated tires are not made for the ridiculous amount of instant torque that these vehicles produce. Companies like Michelin had to spend a ton of time and money on R&D to make tires that had similar longevity as normal passenger tires, but able to withstand the weight and crazy torque that these EVs output.

None of this is fact, just my opinion.

 

[Zprime29]

I'd say it's mostly marketing. Like you pointed out, plenty of vehicles that meet that description requirement. There are a couple tire threads here where several good options are discussed.

 

[RickLightning]

LT tires are heavier, so no. That's why the Lightning doesn't have LT tires on many trims, and gets better efficiency. LT tires also have higher rolling resistance, and lack the quieting technology that some EV tires have.

 

[Brent@ANParts]

The nice thing is you can order whatever tires you want! That said, most EVs do use specific types of tires designed for the EV power output and the rolling resistance to account for the added weight. I put a set of traditional tires on a Tesla and they wore out in about half the time, but were half the price, so there you go.

 

[WXman]

Yeah what's interesting is that these Goodforayear Territory HT tires that came on mine are listed at 40 lbs. each. That's EXTREMELY light for a 33" truck tire. Which begs the question: how tough can this tire really be? Traditionally, OE tires are flimsy and weak to keep the weight down. So it makes sense that Ford is using a lightweight tire on this truck. But I do not trust that it's constructed in a way that handles more weight. It's still got weak sidewalls, and a relatively low (50 PSI) maximum pressure.

I've seen the thread about the guy who had the blow-out. And I've seen the threads where guys lament how their tires wore out quickly. I think I will stick with LT-D or LT-E when I need replacements.

 

[Firn]

I expect that on some the "EV" designation is simply a marketing ploy.

But on others it can indicate a different tire design, either in construction or in material.

For example some EV tires have a foam insert that helps reduce road noise. Because most EVs end up being so quiet the extra tire noise comes through.

In others, like the Toyo AT3 EV or the Pirelli XTM Elect you are basically buying a better material compound. Every tire is to a price point, that means they have better or "less" better compounds they can use. Pay a little more and you can get near the same traction, but also reduced rolling resistance, and/or longer tread life.

 

[watts/up]

One aspect that Toyo touts is improved aero via flush lettering which I find funny but, hey, every little bit helps, right?

 

[Lytning]

Think about this ... a 7000 lb. truck accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with all the weight and torque transmitted through 4 patches about the size of both hands. I sure hope they make "EV" tires.

 

[efme]

The more I read about everything specific tires, the more they're sounding like marketing fluff. No brand really gets into the actual differences and many tires suddenly became "EV ready"

Load is load. If your tires had a load ratings of 115 on both a ice f150 and bev f150, they're will have the same capability.

Fwiw, the "EV" ready hankooks also came on I've f150s.

Lastly, since non EV tires are cheaper, and if the marketing is right, they'll wear out faster giving you not only lower initial cost, but more prorated money back from the tread wear warranty! Win win

 

[WXman]

Think about this ... a 7000 lb. truck accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with all the weight and torque transmitted through 4 patches about the size of both hands. I sure hope they make "EV" tires.

Imagine this... a 8,000 lb. truck making 54% more torque with 93% more trailer weight behind it putting that power to the ground in 4 patches the same size.... without "EV" stamps on the tires and still getting 75k miles out of a set of 4. That's been going on for many years.

 

[RLXXI]

Imagine this... a 8,000 lb. truck making 54% more torque with 93% more trailer weight behind it putting that power to the ground in 4 patches the same size.... without "EV" stamps on the tires and still getting 75k miles out of a set of 4. That's been going on for many years.

I have to wonder if there's any DOT law requiring EV rated tires. If there is and there's an accident, one might be held liable if a tire is deemed the cause of the accident.

 

[efme]

There is no EV rated law, standard, definition, or requirement.

Just like utqg ratings, it's all subjective

 

[CD4TNF]

Hope to hear about your adventures with the LT tires so we can all learn something new. Will LT tires work on the Lightning? Tune in next time!

 

[Firn]

Imagine this... a 8,000 lb. truck making 54% more torque with 93% more trailer weight behind it putting that power to the ground in 4 patches the same size.... without "EV" stamps on the tires and still getting 75k miles out of a set of 4. That's been going on for many years.

Heavy duty trucks with big diesel engines dont usually run light truck tires however.

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