Electric car in winter: what role do the tires play in range?
Cold does not only affect the battery
The same route, the same car, and yet more energy consumed: this discrepancy may be surprising when temperatures drop again. The heating of the cabin, the warming of the battery, and the air resistance all contribute to the increased demands. A decrease in range therefore does not, by itself, account for your tire wear.
The right approach is to look at the consumption information provided by your vehicle. It provides context for the estimated consumption, especially when your driving habits or the weather change.
With every turn of the wheel, a small expenditure of energy
A tire deforms when it encounters the road. Part of the energy is then dissipated in the form of heat: this is one of the mechanisms of tire wear. rolling resistance. The higher this value is, the more energy is required to travel the same distance.
Tire rubber and tire construction matter, but so do inflation pressure, load, and driving conditions. That’s why a tire rating alone isn’t enough to explain all winter tire consumption. Range is determined by a combination of factors.
A reduction in rolling resistance is not an equivalent increase in range. Tyres represent a portion of the vehicle’s energy expenditure: an advertised percentage for a tire does not translate directly into the kilometers displayed on the dashboard.
The pressure: the first check to be done when the cold arrives
The tire pressure decreases as the temperature drops. Check it cold, Every month and before a long journey, then adjust it to the values indicated by the manufacturer for your car and its load. These are usually found on the vehicle’s label and in its manual.
The goal is to restore the prescribed pressure. Adding air arbitrarily to «gain kilometers» is not an optimization method. If the pressure drops repeatedly, have the tire and wheel checked.
Should we choose between adhesion and autonomy?
Your equipment must first be suitable for your winter journeys. An electric car also needs tires adapted to the cold and the roads it encounters. The choice between winter and all-season tires depends, in particular, on the frequency of challenging conditions and the tire fitment compatible with the vehicle.
For comparison, see the label on the the exact dimension and version It distinguishes energy efficiency, grip on wet ground and external noise. The Alpine symbol 3PMSF indicates performance validated by a test on snow. A good energy rating therefore does not replace the other criteria.
Three useful habits for your next departures
- Before driving: Check the tire pressure and prepare for the journey based on the conditions of the day.
- If your car allows it: Program the preconditioning while it is plugged in, in accordance with its instructions. This way you prepare the interior and the battery using the external power supply.
- To compare two trips: Note the temperature, the route, and the heating used. A single measurement rarely tells the whole story.
Four winter tires to discover for your electric car
To extend these tips, here are four winter ranges available on Pneus Online. Compare the label with the exact reference and check its compatibility with your vehicle.
HIVER · RANGE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Hankook iON i*cept
An all-season range designed for electric cars, available in the dimensions adapted to your vehicle.
Winter tire
Michelin Alpin 7
Consider an all-season winter tire for your seasonal trips, comparing its grip and energy efficiency in your specific situation.
Winter tire
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
An winter range available in several sizes, to prepare your equipment according to the homologated load capacity of your car.
Winter tire
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
Another range for winter conditions, to be compared depending on your routes and the characteristics of the compatible version.
Dimensions, load and speed indices, markings and homologations: ensure that the model complies with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Energy ratings and sound levels may vary within the same range.
