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Which tyres do I need for an electric truck?

Which tyres do I need for an electric truck?

Which tyres do I need for an electric truck?

The transition of the transport industry towards sustainable mobility is already engaged with one overriding imperative: to reduce the environmental footprint. To this end, electric vehicles are becoming a more relevant choice than combustion-powered vehicles. In this article, we explain why tires also play a decisive role, and which are the wisest choices particularly for your electric trucks. 

SUMMARY:

The specific needs of electric vehicles 

Electric vehicles, and electric trucks, operate differently to internal combustion vehicles. And in this context, tyres play a key role. But not only that, as we shall see below. 

Electric trucks have a heavy battery 

The battery, unique to electric vehicles, significantly adds weight, particularly towards the front of the truck. This shift in weight distribution, with more mass concentrated at the front, increases the overall load on the vehicle and its cargo. As a result, selecting the right tyres becomes essential, as they must be capable of handling this added load and the uneven weight distribution. 

Electric trucks have higher drive axle torque 

Higher drive axle torque on electric trucks means they have more immediate pulling power from their motors, making them better at accelerating, carrying loads, and towing than traditional engine trucks.

The result is also increased stress on the tyres, which therefore need to be sufficiently resistant to withstand it. 

Tyres capable of optimising battery range of your electric truck are a real advantage

Tyres capable of optimising battery range of your electric truck are a real advantage

Electric trucks have a battery range limit 

Electric vehicle batteries have a range limit and cannot currently cover as much distance on a single charge as internal combustion engine vehicles can on a full tank. Tyres with low rolling resistance can help improve the vehicle's range, making them an asset in extending the distance electric trucks can travel. 

How can tyres support a more sustainable mobility for electric trucks? 

The choice of tyres for your electric truck should not be taken lightly, as they can play an important role in terms of efficiency and sustainability. And not only that: as we will explain, they also help you to optimise your TCO  (Total Cost of Ownership). 

1-Robustness and load-carrying capacity

Tyres with a robust casing and an increased load index are good candidates for supporting the additional load of the battery. Even more so if they have a reduced mass to optimise the payload.

2 - Wear resistance to high drive axle torque 

You can optimise tyre costs per kilometre of your electric truck by choosing tyres that are resistant to the wear generated by high drive axle torque. 

3 - Increase battery range and energy efficiency 

The rolling resistance of tyres refers to the force needed to keep them moving forward on the road surface. Low rolling resistance tyres therefore increase the battery range and reduce their total cost of ownership (TCO). 

4 - Reducing particle emissions 

Choosing an electric truck instead of a combustion one reduces the carbon footprint. It's a big step forward in sustainability.

Another is to choose tyres with a low abrasion rate to reduce rubber wear particle emissions. 

5 - Reducing noise 

Electric trucks have more silent engines which implies more sensitiveness to tyre noise. 

For this type of vehicle, less noisy tyres will therefore be a considerable advantage.  

Choose less noisy tyres for a more silent journey in your electric truck

Choose less noisy tyres for a more silent journey in your electric truck

Young handsome man working in towing service and driving his truck.

6 – Traction and braking distance

The new distribution of mass between the steer and drive axles on an electric truck, as well as the extra torque, necessitate a tyre that delivers superior traction, adherence and braking distance, throughout the entire lifespan (new and worn).

Michelin: an electric mobility partner 

Michelin is a special partner when it comes to sustainable development and electric-powered vehicles. 

We have been partnering with OEMs and technological innovators for a number of years. 

The aim is to join forces to find the ideal tyre for the most recent and future generation of electric trucks. 

In parallel, Michelin is fuelling its own R&D efforts by talking to fleet managers about their tyre needs and expectations. 

To go further, download our guide:  "Electric Trucks and buses rolling into the future together"

Which tyres are more suitable for my electric truck? 

As you can see, tyres are not only put under extreme pressure by an electric truck, they also play a crucial role in your ecological transition and in optimising your costs. It is therefore essential to equip your electric truck with high-performance premium tyres, like those in our MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM Z2 / D2 range: 

MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM range 

MICHELIN X® MULTI ENERGY TM Z2 315/80 R22.5

MICHELIN X® MULTI ENERGY TM Z2 315/80 R22.5

MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM Z2

MICHELIN X® MULTI ENERGY TM D2 315/80 R22.5

MICHELIN X® MULTI ENERGY TM D2 315/80 R22.5

MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM D2

MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM range is the optimal solution for electric trucks due to its combination energetic efficiency / mileage. Here are some of its key features: 

  • Improved rolling resistance for optimised battery range 
  • Strong casing endurance to withstand high drive axle torque 

  • Outstanding mileage for a better TCO 

  • All season grip with 3PMSF marking (winter certified) 
     

The MICHELIN X® Multi EnergyTM tyres are equally suited to long-distance, regional and urban transport.  
It is retreadable, making it ideal for reducing the environmental footprint and operating costs. 

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