The UK new car market continues its remarkable performance, achieving its best February figures in two decades, with registrations soaring by 14.0 per cent to reach 84,886 units. This data, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), represents a renewed appetite in the UK for new vehicles. Amongst this surge, a notable trend emerges – the rise in purchasing Electric Vehicles (EVs), which now account for nearly 38% of these registrations. In contrast, diesel vehicles have dwindled to less than 6% of the market share.

The question now arises – are drivers of EVs fully aware of the distinct characteristics and benefits of EV-specific tyres compared to those of traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles?
EV tyres are designed with specific features tailored to the unique needs of individual vehicles. They may have stronger sidewalls, to manage the weight of batteries under dynamic load. The tread compound and construction of EV tyres is carefully balanced to achieve optimum rolling resistance, crucial for extending range, while still providing excellent grip to manage the torque and braking requirements. Moreover, EV tyres are often engineered to limit cabin noise levels, as tyre noise in an EV can be more noticeable than in an ICE vehicle.
In addition, EV drivers need to take charging breaks on longer journeys, depending on the range of the battery, and these breaks offer a great opportunity to perform basic tyre checks, as recently highlighted by TyreSafe and PCL.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair said “The rise in the UK new car market, especially in the EV sector is a promising sign for the automotive economy. However, it is crucial for EV drivers to understand the significance of using EV-specific tyres. While these tyres may come at a slightly higher initial cost than their non EV-specific equivalent, they are specifically manufactured to optimise range, performance and ultimately value over their lifespan.”

He continued, “We anticipate a surge in second-hand EVs entering the market and there is the potential that these could be fitted with non-EV tyres. This echoes the scenario seen previously with the growth in budget tyres fitted to 4×4 vehicles. It’s imperative for EV owners to opt for EV-specific tyres to optimise range, grip, noise reduction and overall wear.”

As the EV market continues to grow, TyreSafe urges current and potential new owners to check that the correct EV-specific tyres (as described in the vehicle’s handbook) are fitted to their vehicle to ensure their safety, efficiency, and performance.