Tyre safety advice for EV fleet operators
By Joe Brammer, CES technical manager – car, 4x4 & van at Michelin
Tyre safety advice for EV fleet operators
By Joe Brammer, CES technical manager – car, 4x4 & van at Michelin
With the transition to electric vehicles well underway, it’s important for fleet operators to consider how electrification changes day-to-day vehicle maintenance. While the fundamentals of tyre safety remain the same, the characteristics of EVs can place additional demands on tyres, making regular checks and the right maintenance approach key.
Keeping tyres in good condition is not only about safety. It can also help support vehicle uptime, efficiency and provide predictable operating costs.
Check tyre pressures regularly
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest ways to ensure tyre safety and performance. EVs tend to be heavier than combustion vehicles because of the weight of the battery packs, as well as their instant torque which can place additional demands on the tyres.
Incorrect inflation can affect grip, braking performance, tyre wear and rolling resistance. For an EV, under-inflation can increase the energy required for the tyre to roll, resulting in unnecessary electricity consumption and risks reducing the vehicle’s available range.
Fleet operators should ensure tyre pressures are checked regularly and adjusted according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, taking into account the vehicle’s load. This is especially important for vehicles carrying heavier loads or covering higher mileage.
As we’re approaching the colder months, it’s important to note that pressure can fall as temperatures drop. This makes regular checks even more critical.
Monitor for wear and damage
EVs can experience sharper and more intense weight transfers because of their instant torque. Combined with the mass of the battery, this can increase the demands placed on the tyre and may contribute to increased wear.
Fleet operators should build regular tyre inspections into vehicle maintenance routines. Look for uneven wear, visible damage and changes in tyre condition, while checking tread depth regularly.
Wheel alignment should also be monitored. Misalignment can contribute to uneven or accelerated wear, reducing tyre life and potentially creating an avoidable maintenance issue for a fleet.
Consistent inspection procedures can help ensure tyre issues are identified before they turn into a bigger significant safety or downtime concern.
Picking the right tyre for the vehicle
Not every EV requires a tyre specifically labelled as an EV tyre. For example, our Michelin tyre range is suitable for electric vehicles, while certain products have been specifically developed to meet particular EV requirements.
The important consideration for fleet operators is selecting a tyre that is appropriate for the specific vehicle, its load, operating conditions and intended use.
Choosing the right tyre can form part of a wider fleet strategy around safety, efficiency and operating costs.
Fleet operators should ensure tyre pressures are checked regularly
Remember seasonal changes
Tyre performance can be affected by the weather. When temperatures consistently fall below 7°C, fleet operators should consider whether winter tyres are appropriate for their vehicles and operating environment.
Winter tyres are designed to maintain flexibility at lower temperatures and provide performance in cold, wet, snowy and icy conditions. EVs can be particularly demanding in these conditions because their added weight can increase braking distances. Drivers should therefore allow more time and distance to stop and adapt their driving accordingly.
That being said, an all-season tyre is another option that can cater to changing conditions and vehicle usage.
Encourage smooth driving
Driver behaviour has an important role to play in tyre longevity and EV efficiency. The high torque available from an electric motor can make it easier to spin the tyres under hard acceleration, while aggressive inputs can increase the demands placed on the tyre.
Encouraging smooth acceleration, braking and steering can help drivers remain in control while also supporting tyre longevity and battery efficiency. In slippery conditions, drivers should take care with regenerative braking, as an aggressive setting can slow the vehicle abruptly and impact stability.
Make tyre checks part of fleet management
For EV fleet operators, tyre safety should be treated as an ongoing part of vehicle maintenance rather than a one-off check whenever you remember to. Regular pressure checks, inspections of wear and damage, alignment monitoring and appropriate tyre choice can all contribute to safer, more efficient vehicles.
With EVs placing different demands on tyres, working with a tyre specialist or dealer with the appropriate EV training and equipment can also help fleet operators maintain their vehicles safely and keep them moving.
