Tips for Choosing the Right EV Tires So that Electric Car Performance Doesn't Reduce
Choosing electric car tires apparently cannot be the same as tires for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, you know! With all its advantages and technological advantages, electric cars are designed so that people are no longer dependent on fossil fuels.
Apart from that, the factors of lower operational costs and environmental friendliness are the main attraction for people to start using battery-based electric cars (Battery Electric Vehicle/BEV).
How could it not be, the cost of charging an electric car per 1 kWh is far tens of times higher than the cost of buying non-subsidized fuel oil (BBM) per liter.
Moreover, fuel prices continue to increase day by day due to conflicts between a number of global countries. These parameters then made the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) record EV car sales of 17,062 units or an increase of around 65.2% year on year (yoy) in 2023 compared to 2022.
In addition, currently there are many choices of fully electric vehicles in Indonesia from a number of major automotive manufacturers in the world. Starting from entry level ones such as Wuling Air ev, Wuling BinguoEV, Neta V, then middle class ones, for example BYD Dilphin, BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5, to premium segments such as Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, BMW iX, or Toyota bZ4X. This gives people more choices of zero-emission vehicles to accompany their daily activities.
Electric Cars Must Use Appropriate Tires
The increasing number of BEV car users must also be accompanied by an understanding of the tire requirements for these vehicles. One of several tire manufacturers that has provided special round rubber for fuel-free vehicles is Bridgestone Indonesia.
Some time ago Bridgestone even announced that it had provided a special variant of the Ecopia EP150 tire for Wuling electric cars, including providing a special 12 inch size for Air EV users.
"EV vehicles are indeed an attractive choice for consumers who want efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. However, unlike conventional engine vehicles, EV cars come with a series of special characteristics that pose challenges, such as large and instant torque and heavy battery weight. so it is best to be equipped with the right tires," said Fisa Rizqiano, Deputy Head of Original Equipment (OE) Bridgestone Indonesia in a written statement.
He said that these special tires for electric cars are designed to meet the various demands of EVs so that they can optimize the driving experience for maximum safety, efficiency and comfort. According to him, there are several things you should pay attention to when choosing electric car tires.
Tips for Choosing Electric Car Tires
Because it has this special character, when you want to change tires for a BEV car according to Fisa, you must pay attention to a number of things related to the tire specifications, including:
1. Tire Load Index
EV cars are generally heavier than vehicles with conventional engines, this is because the battery installed in a BEV adds approximately 30-50% to the vehicle's total weight. This additional weight can of course put additional pressure on the tires, therefore tires with a load index that matches the vehicle weight are needed.
This load index information can be found on the tire wall, where the writing corresponds to the tire size. Paying attention to the load index on the tire also determines how much air pressure is appropriate for the tire.
2. Choose Electric Car Tires with Low Noise
Electrified vehicles are already quieter due to the absence of engine noise. Apart from that, EV car cabins are also quieter than conventional vehicles, so the sound (noise) coming out of the tires will be heard more clearly, both noise from the tread (generally high frequency) and noise caused by the tires coming into contact with the road surface (generally low frequency). So to keep the ride smooth and quiet, you should choose tires with noise reduction technology.
3. Has a strong rubber compound
The next characteristic of an EV is the vehicle's acceleration and braking capabilities. The instantaneous and large torque produced by electric vehicles can increase the rate of tire wear, so electric vehicle tires must have higher wear resistance.
It is best to choose tires that are made with a quality rubber compound and are designed to have the strength to withstand the additional torque.
4. Has low friction properties
Tires used on EV cars must have technology that is able to minimize rolling resistance in order to save use of battery power reduction rates, reduce heat accumulation, and resist friction. That's why you have to be careful when choosing electric car tires, you have to pay attention to the smaller rolling resistance coefficient to contribute to lower rolling resistance.
This way you will get more range and efficiency from your electric vehicle, which can help contribute to sustainability and battery life. So, apart from choosing the right tires, Fisa also advised us to always maintain the condition of the tires regularly, such as checking the air pressure and tread pan wear.
"In addition to selecting suitable tires, tire care and maintenance is very important to maintain tire life/reduce wear levels, and also maximize drive range," concluded Fisa.
