Best Tires for Electric Cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the automotive landscape, offering eco-friendly transportation and cutting-edge technology. As more drivers embrace the electric future, it's crucial to understand the unique tire needs of these advanced vehicles.

Tires play a critical role in the performance, efficiency, and safety of any vehicle, but this is especially true for EVs. The right set of tires can help maximize range, improve handling, and provide a quiet, comfortable ride.

In this article, we'll explore what makes a great EV tire and highlight some of the top picks for 2025. Whether you prioritize range, performance, or all-season versatility, there's an EV tire that can meet your needs.

What Makes a Great EV Tire?

EV tires are specifically engineered to address the unique characteristics and demands of electric vehicles. While they may look similar to traditional tires, EV tires incorporate several key features that set them apart.

Reduced Rolling Resistance

One of the primary goals of an EV tire is to maximize efficiency and extend the vehicle's range. To achieve this, tire manufacturers focus on reducing rolling resistance (the energy lost as the tire rolls along the road surface). EV tires employ special rubber compounds and optimized tread patterns that minimize energy loss, allowing the vehicle to travel further on a single charge.

These low rolling resistance compounds are carefully formulated to strike a balance between efficiency and performance. They often incorporate silica and other advanced materials that provide excellent grip while minimizing energy dissipation. The tread patterns on EV tires are also designed with efficiency in mind, featuring smooth, uninterrupted surfaces that reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics.

Durability to Handle Extra Weight

Another important consideration for EV tires is their ability to support the added weight of the vehicle's battery pack. Electric vehicles are typically heavier than their gas-powered counterparts due to the substantial weight of the batteries. This extra weight puts increased stress on the tires, requiring them to have a higher load capacity and more robust construction.

To address this challenge, EV tires feature reinforced sidewalls and stronger internal structures. The additional reinforcement helps prevent premature wear and ensures that the tires can safely carry the weight of the vehicle over their intended lifespan. EV tires also often have a higher load index rating, indicating their ability to support greater weight compared to standard tires.

Instant Torque Management

Electric motors are known for their instant torque delivery, which can put significant stress on the tires. Unlike internal combustion engines that gradually build up torque, electric motors provide maximum torque from a standstill. This sudden burst of power can cause the tires to slip or spin, leading to accelerated wear and reduced traction.

To counteract this effect, EV tires are designed with specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds that can effectively transfer the instant torque to the road. The tread patterns often feature larger, more rigid blocks that provide a greater contact patch with the road surface. This increased contact area helps distribute the torque more evenly, reducing tire slippage and improving overall grip.

Additionally, the rubber compounds used in EV tires are formulated to withstand high torque loads without sacrificing tread life. These compounds are engineered to be more resilient and resistant to wear, ensuring that the tires can handle the demands of electric propulsion over an extended period.

Quietness and Comfort

Electric vehicles excel in providing a serene driving environment due to their silent operation. However, this quietness can make other noises more prominent especially those originating from the tires. To counteract this, tire manufacturers have implemented specialized noise-reduction features within EV tires.

Noise-Reducing Technologies

The absence of engine noise in EVs means that tire sounds can dominate the cabin acoustics. To tackle this, some EV tires come equipped with sound-absorbing foam layers inside the tire. These layers help dampen the noise generated by road contact. Additionally, tread designs are meticulously crafted to minimize sound. By adjusting the size and placement of the tread blocks, tire engineers can effectively reduce vibrations and the resulting noise, creating a more peaceful ride.

Smooth Rolling for a Plush Ride

A seamless rolling experience is vital for both comfort and performance. EV tires often feature reinforced sidewalls to maintain their form and provide a stable ride. This reinforcement ensures that the tires handle road imperfections with ease, enhancing comfort without sacrificing energy efficiency. The tread configuration also plays a crucial role. It is designed to offer a perfect blend of grip and cushioning, allowing the vehicle to move smoothly over various surfaces, resulting in a luxurious driving feel.

Top EV Tire Picks for 2025

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, tire manufacturers are developing innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of EVs. In 2025, certain tire models distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance, efficiency, and comfort.

Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 SCT

The top EV tire pick in this list is the Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 SCT which scores a whopping 9.2 overall SimpleScore rating and is offered at an initial average price of $195. This promising EV tire is also covered by a 45,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The ElectricDrive 2 SCT features an all-season rubber compound for year-round traction and performance, and its key highlight is the Sound Comfort Technology (SCT), which remarkably controls the road noises for more comfortable and quieter rides. The tire is made with sustainability in mind and is also optimized for longer tread life and enhanced responsiveness and grip on dry and wet roads.

Get Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 SCT tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS

Next on the list of best EV tires is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS, which scores an excellent 9.5 SimpleScore rating and is available at a starting average price of $135. The tire is backed by an up to 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty. It is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tire, which means it is engineered to offer throttling performance when paired with EVs. Additionally, Continental has optimized the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus for excellent dry and wet handling, improved braking performance, year-round traction and grip, and enhanced control in light wintry conditions.

Get Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV is also an exceptional choice for EV owners and is tagged at a starting average price of $337. This EV tire is specially optimized for winter weather conditions and comes pinned with studs for extra traction and grip on snow and ice. However, you must refer to your local laws on the use of studded tires before considering them for purchase. The Hakkapeliitta 10 EV provides enhanced stability and controlled handling and is made using sustainable materials. The tire offers smooth and comfortable drives and comes with many advanced features that contribute to solid performance in wintry conditions.

Get Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Toyo Open Country A/T III EV

If you have been looking for a tire that’s made for electric SUVs, CUVs, or pickup trucks in particular, there’s nothing better than the Open Country A/T III EV, which is rated an excellent 9.1 SimpleScore. The tire is backed by an impressive 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty and is an all-terrain type of tire, which allows your EV vehicle to go on- and off-the-road confidently. In addition, it is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means you can confidently drive in moderate to severe winter conditions, alongside driving in dry and wet weather conditions. Too much on the offer and perhaps that’s the reason why the tire is a bit expensive and its average starting price is $359. Key strengths of this tire include reduced rolling resistance, improved fuel efficiency, solid durability, enhanced traction, better controllability, and superior damage resistance.

Get Toyo Open Country A/T III EV tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Falken Azenis FK460 A/S SilentCore

Offered at an approximate starting price of $150, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is also another impressive tire in the list of best electric car tires on the market. With an 8.7 out of 10 SimpleScore rating, this UHP all-season tire assures commanding performance year-round. Falken offers this tire with a 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty and has optimized it for high-speed performance, longer tread life, enhanced traction and grip, reduced noise levels, confident driving in light snow conditions, and improved overall controllability.

Get Falken Azenis FK460 A/S tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Choosing the Right EV Tires for Your Vehicle

Selecting tires for your electric vehicle involves understanding how different options can enhance your driving experience. Tailoring your choice to your lifestyle can ensure optimal performance and satisfaction on the road.

Consider Your Driving Needs and Priorities

Start by evaluating what aspects of performance matter most to you.

• Efficiency: Choose tires with advanced low rolling resistance compounds if your primary concern is maximizing the vehicle's range.
• Dynamic Driving: Opt for tires engineered for sharp handling and cornering if you appreciate an engaging driving experience.
• All-Weather Capability: In areas with variable weather, consider tires designed for enhanced traction and stability in diverse conditions. Additionally, assess how regional weather and terrain might affect tire performance and durability.

While considering perfect tires for your electric vehicle, remember that the right choice can significantly enhance your driving experience. We invite you to explore the wide selection of EV tires available, carefully considering your unique needs and priorities. When you're ready to make a purchase, shop for EV tires online and let us help you find the best deals to keep your EV running smoothly and efficiently.