Do electric vehicles (EVs) require specifically designed and manufactured EV tires? That all depends, says Steve Bourassa, director of products for Nokian Tyres Inc.
Bourassa says “it is certainly possible for already-existing tires to meet those needs.”
However, he adds that “many tiremakers,” including Nokian, “are introducing dedicated EV tires that are adept at meeting the demands of electric vehicles and the needs of drivers.
“Those needs include a sturdy structure built to withstand the added weight and torque of EVs; technology aimed at minimizing cabin noise; and low-rolling-resistance rubber compounds that increase range.
“Our EV-specific winter tires, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 EV and R5 EV, were tailored to acutely meet those specific demands.
“There is a segment of drivers within the EV market that values these tailored benefits, such as added efficiency and range,” he says.
“As a Scandinavian company that makes tires in an area of the world where EVs are very popular, we have factored the needs of EV drivers into our product development process for several years.
"We formulate our rubber compounds to maximize comfort and efficiency. More than 90 percent of our tires are in the lowest categories of rolling resistance. We construct our tires to withstand heavier loads.”
Stay tuned to www.moderntiredealer.com as more tire manufacturers weigh in on the subject of EV tires.
Other tiremakers' thoughts can be found here:
'The Market is Going EV,' Says Pirelli
