Electric trucks: choosing the right tyre

Published on 1 June 2023 - 4 reading minute(s)

Green mobility is on the move thanks to the development of electric trucks. If you have just bought, or are considering buying, an electric vehicle you need to know all the facts. Did you know that electric motors affect tyre performance in a number of ways?

So, which tyres will help you get the most from an electric truck? Check out the following six top tips.

1 – Determine the main usage of your tyres

It's improtant to think about what the tyre is used for and the differing conditions they face:

● long haul
● regional / versatile
● urban
● on off
● off road.

This is your starting point for choosing the right tyre .

2 – Decide on your priorities

When buying a tyre, people are usually looking for a good balance of tyre performance. But first, you need to define your main requirements:

● Mileage (price per kilometre)
● Fuel savings and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
● Grip and safety (all season and until the last millimetre)
● Robustness (aggression resistance, casing endurance)
● Environmental footprint
For many years, mileage was the number one priority and, in some cases, it still is. But the TCO including tyre costs and fuel costs due to tyres is becoming a more relevant criterion!

3 – Take into account the key performance factors for electric motors

Rolling resistance (RR)

This is the most important factor in maximising autonomy on an electric vehicle, particularly for regional haulage trucks.

For example, a 1 kg per tonne saving in rolling resistance can improve autonomy by 20 to 40 km for a truck covering roughly 500 km⁽¹⁾.

The RR meets the expectations of the fleets thus has a positive impact in terms of energy savings, in this case electricity and on the vehicle TCO.

Mileage and tread endurance

The higher torque on the drive axle⁽²⁾, the regenerative braking and the increased weight of the battery may lead to a mileage reduction on the drive axle of electric-powered vehicles compared to diesel trucks.

Measurements carried out with certain users have revealed lower mileage on the drive axle (up to 30%). As a consequence, tyres fitted to electric trucks need to be wear resistant, provide high mileage and tread endurance, to put tyre cost per km under control.

4 - Maximising the productivity of electric trucks

Load-carrying capacity

Virtually all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are calling for an increase in load-carrying capacity on key tyre dimensions such as 315/70 R22.5, 315/80 R22.5, 385/55 R22.5 for the steering axle.

A higher load carrying capacity also means a robust casing capable of bearing the extra weight of the battery.

Tyres currently being developed have been adapted for this.

Tyre weight reduction

More lightweight tyres optimise the payload of an electric truck.

Improved load-carrying capacity and lighter weight are two performance criteria which maximise fleets’ productivity.

5 - Check tyre grip

Efficient braking is particularly important for energy recovery. This is vital for a safe and energy-efficient electric truck.

6 - Think sustainability – now more than ever

To further reduce the environmental footprint, tyres with low abrasion rates allow to reduce microparticle emissions so as to be as green as possible.