Rolling resistance

This is of major importance for all vehicles, given that 20 to 30% of the total resistance comes from the tyres. As a rule, the lower the rolling resistance, the lower the energy consumption. Drivers of electric vehicles benefit from this through a longer range. But how is rolling resistance reduced? Tyre manufacturers have various ways of doing this, for example by reducing thermal and mechanical influences through new rubber compounds or structural changes to the tyre substructure.

Torque and vehicle weight

Electric vehicles offer impressive dynamic acceleration from a standing start. This has an impact on the tyres, however. With instant torque, the immediate build-up of torque for starting off, the tyres are subjected to high loads. At the same time, the battery housed in the vehicle floor means that electric vehicles weigh on average a third more than cars with combustion engines. Both factors cause increased friction on the road surface. That’s why manufacturers are adjusting their tyres accordingly.

Noise

The drive technology of an electric vehicle can not only reduce CO₂ emissions, consumption and running costs, but also ensures less engine noise. Interestingly, this can lead to the driving noise from the tyres being more clearly noticeable in the cabin. A fact that Volkswagen, for example, takes into account when developing its own products.