MTD recently asked tire manufacturers, “What do tire dealers need to know about the performance demands that electric cars place on tires?” Here’s what they had to say.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the buzz. And it seems the EV movement has become even more turbocharged over the last few months. Tire dealers need to be ready.

In the November 2020 issue of MTD, in this very column, I wrote that “electric vehicles are here to stay.” Boy, was that an understatement! Since then, both the public and private sector have doubled down on vehicle electrification. This has the potential to impact your business in profound ways.

While still making up a relatively small percentage of all personal vehicles sold in the U.S., the number of EVs on American roads is expected to multiply over the next several years as governments and vehicle manufacturers pursue electrification. MTD recently spoke with tire manufacturers who have an original equipment presence in the U.S. to learn how EVs are impacting tire design and construction. 

The world's first long-range, solar-electric vehicle, the Lightyear One, will roll on Bridgestone Turanza Eco tires when it becomes available in Europe later this year.

The governors of 12 states have asked President Joe Biden to "ensure that all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold are zero-emission no later than 2035, with significant milestones along the way to monitor progress."

Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution and General Motors, will invest $2.3 billion in building its second battery cell manufacturing plant in the United States.

The state of Washington has passed a law establishing a 2030 target for phasing out the sale of gas-powered vehicles. It sets the most aggressive state goal in the U.S. for moving to an all-electric future and puts Washington five years ahead of California's 2035 target.

Pirelli & Cie SpA's recently published 2021-2022/25 Industrial Plan intends to "fully seize the opportunities offered by the market rebound in the next 24 months," according to company officials.

Continental Tire the Americas LLC has addressed the issue of extra weight associated with electric and hybrid vehicles by developing a passenger tire that sports the new "HL" load index.