Best Tyres for Electric Cars: EV Range, Efficiency & Top Picks 2025

Electric car sales in Norway exceed 80% of new vehicles — but many EV owners don't realise their tyre choice could be costing them up to 70 kilometres of range. EV-specific tyres are designed for the unique demands of electric vehicles: heavy batteries, instant torque, and the need for maximum efficiency. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right tyres for your EV.

Why EVs Need Different Tyres

Electric vehicles present unique challenges that standard tyres aren't designed to handle:

1. Significantly Heavier Weight

EVs are typically 20-30% heavier than equivalent petrol cars due to battery packs. A Tesla Model 3 weighs about 1,800 kg compared to 1,400 kg for a similarly-sized BMW 3 Series. This extra weight:

• Increases tyre load and stress
• Accelerates tread wear
• Requires stronger tyre construction

2. Instant Torque Delivery

Electric motors deliver 100% torque instantly from a standstill. Unlike petrol engines that build power gradually, this immediate force:

• Causes faster tread wear, especially on front tyres
• Stresses tyre sidewalls
• Can spin standard tyres more easily in wet conditions

3. Range Sensitivity

Every bit of energy matters for EVs. Tyres account for approximately 20% of a vehicle's energy consumption through rolling resistance. Choosing the wrong tyres can significantly reduce your range per charge.

How Tyre Choice Affects EV Range

Independent testing shows dramatic differences between tyres:

The verdict: Choosing the right tyres can add up to 70 kilometres to your range — that's potentially an extra charging stop avoided on long journeys.

Understanding Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is measured in kg/t (kilograms per tonne). Lower is better for EVs:

Top EV Tyres for 2025

Best Overall: Hankook iON evo

Winner of Electric Car Tyre of the Year 2025

• Excellent wet and dry performance
• Good range efficiency (second best in tests)
• Available in sizes for most EVs
• Full range: iON evo (summer), iON i*cept (winter), iON FlexClimate (all-season)

Best for Maximum Range: Falken e.Ziex

• Lowest rolling resistance in testing
• Up to 70 km more range than competitors
• Good wet performance
• Best choice if range anxiety is your primary concern

Best Premium: Pirelli P Zero Elect

• OE fitment on many premium EVs
• PNCS noise-reduction technology
• EU grade A fuel efficiency
• Excellent high-speed stability

Best for Durability: Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV

• Projected 49,050 km lifespan
• Good rolling resistance
• Ideal for heavy electric SUVs
• Balanced performance across conditions

Best Budget: Continental EcoContact 6

• Green Chili 2.0 compound
• 15% lower rolling resistance than predecessor
• 20% higher mileage
• Good value for money

EV Winter Tyres for Norway

Norwegian winters require special consideration for EVs. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, so choosing efficient winter tyres is critical.

Best Friction (Piggfri) Winter Tyres

Best Studded (Piggdekk) Winter Tyres

Do You Really Need EV-Specific Tyres?

Recent debate among manufacturers has questioned whether dedicated EV tyres are necessary. Here's the honest assessment:

When EV-Specific Tyres Are Worth It:

• Heavy EVs (over 2,000 kg) — standard tyres wear faster
• Performance EVs — instant torque demands stronger construction
• Range-conscious drivers — every kilometre matters
• Frequent long-distance travel — efficiency gains add up

When Standard Tyres May Be Fine:

• Smaller, lighter EVs (under 1,600 kg)
• City-only driving — range less critical
• Budget priority — EV tyres cost 10-20% more
• Infrequent use — lower annual mileage

EV Tyre Maintenance Tips

Check Pressure More Often

EV weight means pressure is critical. Check monthly and before long trips. Under-inflated tyres:

• Reduce range by up to 5%
• Wear faster on edges
• Generate more heat

Rotate More Frequently

Instant torque wears front tyres faster on FWD and AWD EVs. Rotate every 8,000-10,000 km instead of the usual 12,000 km.

Monitor Tread Depth

Heavier EVs wear tyres faster. Expect 20-30% shorter tyre life compared to petrol cars. Budget for more frequent replacements.

Choosing the Right Size

Many EVs come with large wheels for styling, but this affects efficiency:

Summary: Quick Recommendations

Need help finding the right tyres for your electric car? Browse our EV tyre selection or contact Kisolve for personalised recommendations based on your vehicle and driving needs.