The lowdown on Michelin’s efficiency claims
Fancy squeezing more miles out of your EV’s battery? Michelin reckons its new EV tyres could be the answer. The French tyre giant says its e-Primacy rubber could add up to 700 miles to your annual range – that’s like an extra trip from London to John O’Groats! The extra range could save you £119 a year, says Michelin. Intrigued? Let’s see how this works.
Imagine your tyres as tiny brakes constantly rubbing against the road. The more friction there is, the harder your car’s engine has to work to keep it moving. This friction is called rolling resistance, and it’s a major drain on any vehicle’s efficiency. This is why trains are very efficient, there is hardly any friction because their wheels are metal running on metal. A downside of this is that trains are not very good at climbing hills.
EVs are particularly susceptible to rolling resistance because their electric motors are incredibly efficient. Unlike petrol or diesel engines, which waste a lot of energy as heat, electric motors convert most of the battery’s power into motion. So, anything that makes the motor work harder has a big impact on range.
That’s where Michelin’s e-Primacy EV tyres come in. These tyres are designed with special compounds and construction techniques that reduce rolling resistance. This means less energy is wasted overcoming friction, and more goes towards propelling your car forward. The result? You can travel further on a single charge.
It’s not just about the numbers
Michelin crunched the numbers on Britain’s 570,000+ EVs to see what this technology means in the real world. Turns out, those cars could collectively be missing out on nearly 500 million miles of extra range every year. Ouch! Translating that to cash, that’s a potential £84 million in missed savings for EV owners.
“These EV tyres don’t just help you go the extra mile, but they can also have a longer lifespan on EVs”, says John Howe, Michelin’s UK boss. “It’s a win-win for drivers looking to save money and get the most out of their electric car.”
Which EVs benefit the most from EV Tyres?
Of course, some cars stand to gain more than others. Michelin’s research reveals that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 could see a significant range boost of 26 extra miles per charge – that’s a welcome improvement, especially for those taking longer journeys. That translates to a saving of around £4.55 each time you plug in, making electric car ownership even more cost-effective. Tesla Model 3 drivers can expect a 24-mile range increase, and owners of the VW ID.5 or Mercedes EQA could enjoy an additional 23 miles on a single charge, saving them close to £4 per top-up.
But it’s not just about saving some cash. EV tyres are engineered to optimise your car’s overall performance. They’re designed with noise-reducing compounds, making the cabin experience even quieter since electric motors are already very silent. Perhaps most importantly, EV tyres can really help a lot to extend the lifespan of your battery – a key concern for many EV drivers. By reducing rolling resistance, these tyres lessen the workload on the electric motor, which in turn reduces stress on the battery and potentially contributes to a longer battery life.
A step toward smarter EV Tyre tech
The takeaway? EV Tyres matter. A lot. As more drivers ditch petrol and diesel, tyre tech is becoming just as important for getting the best out of your EV. Michelin’s e-Primacy range is a sign of things to come – expect even smarter rubber that makes electric driving cheaper and more convenient.
