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When it comes to electric vehicles, the combination of powerful acceleration from a standing stop and heavy vehicle weight accelerates tire wear, especially when tires are cold. Studies and industry reports confirm that faster tire wear is a known reality for EV owners, not just anecdotal evidence. The absence of an engine also means tire noise is more noticeable inside the cabin, making tire selection even more important for EV drivers.
This has led to a lot of interesting social media discussion about whether or not electric vehicles go through tires faster than gas-powered cars. Here’s a recent post on Reddit by SacFriend with a ton of responses from other EV drivers.
“I had a flat tire on 2021 MY Long Range with 20,500 miles. I got it towed to the tire shop. I was hoping they would repair the flat, but they said the tread was low on the tires (It was 4/32”) and all tires would need to be replaced. I had expected the tires to last to about 30,000 miles.”
Wooden-Complex9461 responded with a comment about the quality of OEM tires (the tires that came with the car when it was new):
“OEM tires are TERRIBLE. They lasted 18k miles for me. I swapped to continental DWS 06 plus and I’m at 68k miles now. They still have 20-25k miles left I’d guess.”
BrownEyesWhiteScarf agreed with the OEM comment:
“My Telsa Model Y Long Range stock tires hit 3/32 at around 34k miles. I’m almost at 70k but my second set of tires seem to have a lot of thread left.”
Wooden-Complex9461 added:
“I’ve never used chill mode on my Model Y. I’m at 68,000 miles and only on my second set of tires. I got continental DWS 06+. They are literally quite amazing. I’ve had them for 50,000 miles now and they have at least another 20,000 left.”
Electric Vehicles Require Special Tires
Now that electric vehicles have been available in mass production quantities for over fifteen years, there is a lot of data about how they interact with their tires. The data shows that EVs wear through tires at a faster rate because instant torque and greater mass load the tire tread. EV tires need different rubber and construction to last. Tire makers use advanced compounds that balance grip with durability, such as high silica blends and functionalized polymers found in Bridgestone Enliten formulas, Pirelli Elect compounds, and Hankook iON mixes, which resist wear better than many tires designed for gas cars. Rolling quietly matters more in an EV because there is no engine noise to mask road noise. To make tires quieter, some tire manufacturers add sound absorbing foam inside the carcass, such as Michelin Acoustic, Continental ContiSilent, and Pirelli Noise Cancelling System. Engineers also tune tread block sequencing, vary pitch, and stiffen sidewalls to support weight while cutting pattern roar, which keeps the cabin more quiet without sacrificing efficiency.
One Example of an EV Tire Solution
The Bridgestone Turanza EV tire has been developed specifically to address EV tire challenges. Designed as an all-season performance tire, it handles a variety of climates short of extreme winter conditions. It features competitive rolling resistance and uses “QuietTrack” technology to minimize road noise. The most compelling feature is the 50,000-mile warranty, which far exceeds the typical lifespan many Tesla Model Y and other EV owners experience. Additionally, the tire is made from 50 percent renewable materials, offering a more sustainable option without compromising performance.
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Cost Savings and Value Proposition
Although these tires may cost slightly more upfront, their extended lifespan could save EV owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. Replacing tires less frequently means avoiding the common $1,000-per-year tire expense faced by many Tesla Model Y owners. The combination of durability, quiet ride, efficiency, and environmental benefits positions the Turanza EV tire as a strong contender in the EV market.
Camber and Toe Alignment Plus Rotations That Save Your EV Tires
Camber is the tilt of your wheels when viewed from the front, negative camber means the tops lean inward. Toe is the direction the wheels point when viewed from above, toe in points slightly toward the center, toe out points slightly away. Too much negative camber or a small toe error scrubs the inside edge before the middle wears, especially on Performance trims and larger wheels. A proper alignment brings camber and toe back into a safe window, which slows inner shoulder wear.
Correct tire pressure keeps the contact patch even, while rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles share the work across all four corners. Adjustable rear control arms help when inner wear returns after a fresh alignment, when the car is lowered, or when extra weight pushes the rear out of spec. Be sure to keep your alignment printouts and track results over time.
Owners are building a rolling research network, sharing alignment sheets, tread photos, and mileage logs that shops study closely. Community problem solving is replacing one size fits all advice, which moves the conversation beyond simple blame. Some argue factory suspension settings favor quick steering response and energy efficiency, which can leave tire wear less even. Others prefer the planted feel and accept faster inner shoulder wear as a tradeoff for performance. To get your tires to last as long as possible, choose an alignment that respects vehicle weight, and follow a rotation schedule that keeps every tire doing fair work.
Bottom Line
Frequent tire replacement has been a persistent challenge for EV drivers due to the unique combination of high torque and heavy weight. Tires specifically designed for EVs offer a promising solution with their extended warranties, quiet performance, and sustainable materials. If they deliver on their claims, they could help EV owners save money, enjoy a quieter ride, and reduce environmental impact, addressing one of the most common hidden costs of EV ownership.
Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below
How many miles did your OEM tires last on your EV before replacement, and what do you drive now?
What tire models have delivered the lowest cost per mile for you, and what would you buy again?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, “The Arrival of The Electric Car.” His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
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Source: torquenews.com
