The automotive industry is in the midst of a seismic shift as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent. However, while the focus is often on the EV powertrain, it’s easy to overlook the importance of tires. A recent report by Automotive News highlights that tire manufacturers are beginning to view EVs as a unique genre that requires special attention.
One reason for this is that EVs have specific factors that can affect tire performance and longevity. For example, power delivery is a critical consideration. While flooring the accelerator will always send tires up in smoke, electric motors can send power to the tires instantly. This can impact tire wear and performance under normal driving conditions.
Weight is another factor, as EVs are typically heavier than their ICE counterparts due to the batteries and electric motors. This means tire manufacturers need to rethink their processes, as tires designed for ICE vehicles may not be appropriate for their EV counterparts.
Rolling resistance is also an important consideration. Finding a balance between efficiency and traction is key to developing tires that perform well on EVs. And with fewer service intervals needed on EVs, tire companies need to develop new ways to collect data and monitor tire condition.
To address these challenges, major tire brands such as Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone are developing advanced sensors that can monitor not just tire pressure, but also temperature, potential punctures, and other issues. Goodyear is even working on a system to estimate road friction, which could communicate tire grip to the driver.
In addition to traditional sensors, Tactile Mobility is working on a virtual system to provide real-time reporting of tire conditions. This includes everything from pressure to temperature, wear, balance, grip, and potential faults.
As the industry continues to evolve, tire companies are rethinking how best to move forward in an increasingly electric world. While tires may seem like a small detail, they play a crucial role in the performance and safety of EVs. As such, tire manufacturers are investing in new technologies to meet the unique challenges posed by these vehicles.
