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20/11/2025
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Winter tires that worked great on a regular car may not be effective for an electric car. The weight of the battery, the instant torque and the quietness of the ride create completely different operating conditions. To find out how different tire models behave in winter on modern electric cars, independent experts AutoBild and Tyre Reviews conducted tests on three of the most popular models: Tesla Model Y, BMW iX and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Electric cars are heavier than traditional cars by an average of 300-500 kg due to the batteries. This means that the pressure on the tire is higher and wear is more intense. In addition, electric motors create instant torque, which requires more grip, especially on slippery roads. Therefore, manufacturers have started creating special winter tires with the EV or Electric marking. They have a reinforced carcass, reduced rolling resistance and a different rubber compound adapted to cold temperatures.
Another feature is noise absorption, because there is no engine sound in an electric car, and any tire rumble becomes noticeable.
The tests were conducted in Finland at temperatures from -2 to -25 °C on three types of surfaces: packed snow, ice and wet asphalt. For the purity of the experiment, all cars had the same tire sizes — 255/45 R20.
The following were evaluated:
Tesla has an instant response to the gas pedal, so weak tires are immediately felt. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV and Continental WinterContact TS 870 P EV performed best in the test.
Michelin provided the shortest braking distance — only 35.2 m on ice at 50 km/h. In addition, the noise level in the cabin was minimal — 68 dB, which is 3 dB less than conventional tires without foam. Tesla remained stable even during intensive acceleration.
Continental TS 870 P EV performed slightly worse on ice, but more stable on wet asphalt. Energy consumption with these tires decreased by 4%, which is important for range.
Conclusion: Tesla needs tires with clear grip and low noise. The perfect balance — Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV.
BMW iX weighs more than 2.5 tons, so the tires work in constant load mode. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Elect performed well on ice.
Nokian demonstrated the best grip on snow. Its Arctic Grip microcrystals create the effect of “invisible spikes”. Braking distance — 36.8 m, which is one of the best results for a heavy SUV. The cabin is quiet, the noise level is only 70 dB.
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Elect received the highest rating for cornering stability and comfort. Thanks to Seal Inside technology, even if there is a puncture, the tire does not lose pressure immediately. Energy consumption decreased by 3%.
Conclusion: large electric crossovers like the BMW iX require durable tires with a rigid carcass and high-quality sidewall. Nokian and Pirelli have provided the perfect combination of traction, comfort and safety.
The Ioniq 5 is lighter and more dynamic, so the test showed how the behavior of tires depends on the balance between softness and energy efficiency. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 EV and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance SUV+ performed best.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 EV impressed with its handling: short braking distance — 34.9 m, stable acceleration even on packed snow. In addition, this model turned out to be one of the most economical — energy consumption reduced by 5.2%.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance SUV+ turned out to be quieter than the Bridgestone, but with a slightly longer braking distance. In the comfort tests, it received the highest score — the interior remained virtually vibration-free.
Conclusion: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes well with rubber that has balanced stiffness. Bridgestone — for dynamics, Goodyear — for comfort.
| Tire model | Auto | Braking distance (m) | Noise (dB) | Energy consumption | Grass grip rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV | Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model Y | 35.2 | 68 | –4% | High |
| Continental TS 870 P EV | Tesla Model Y | 36.7 | 70 | –4% | High | |
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV | BMW iX | 36.8 | 70 | –3% | Very tall | |
| Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Elect | BMW iX | 37.4 | 72 | –3% | High | |
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 EV | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 34.9 | 71 | –5% | High | |
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance SUV+ | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 36.1 | 69 | –4% | Medium+ |
Test results have shown that winter Electric vehicle tires are not just adaptations of older models, but a separate category with their own characteristics. Tesla Model Y works best with Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV, a combination of silence, stability and energy saving.
BMW iX shows the best result with Nokian R5 SUV due to powerful grip and stability. Hyundai Ioniq 5 shows maximum efficiency with Bridgestone LM005 EV.
Thanks to such tests, it becomes obvious: the future of winter tires has already arrived. They are created not just for the road, but for energy efficiency, safety and technological comfort, which owners of new generation electric vehicles expect.
1. Do you need special winter tires for an electric vehicle, or will regular ones be suitable?
Regular tires will work, but they wear out faster due to the greater weight of the electric vehicle. Special winter tires marked EV or Elect have a reinforced carcass, better energy efficiency and lower noise levels.
2. What is the difference between winter tires for electric vehicles and conventional cars?
An electric vehicle generates higher torque and has no engine sound. Therefore, rubber with a strong shoulder belt, an elastic compound and a noise-absorbing layer is needed.
3. HowDo winter tires affect the range of an electric car?
Tires with low rolling resistance reduce energy consumption by 3-6%. For example, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV allowed the Tesla Model Y to travel 18 km more on a single charge.
4. Is it worth paying extra for tires with the EV label?
Yes, because they are not only quieter, but also withstand the load from a heavy battery. In the long run, they last longer and reduce energy consumption.
5. Which brands already produce winter tires for electric cars?
Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Nokian, Pirelli, Goodyear, Hankook and Yokohama have lines labeled EV, Elect, iON or ElectricDrive.
6. Which tires are best for the Tesla Model Y?
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV and Continental TS 870 P EV — are the best in terms of noise, braking and stability during sharp accelerations.
7. Which winter tires are recommended for the BMW iX?
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV or Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Elect. They are designed specifically for heavy SUVs and have excellent lateral stiffness.
8. Which winter tires are best for the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 EV — ideal for everyday use. It is economical, stable and comfortable in wet snow.
9. How to choose the right tire size for an electric car?
Use only the sizes specified in the car manual. For Tesla Model Y, it is usually 255/45 R20, for BMW iX — 275/40 R22, for Ioniq 5 — 235/55 R19.
10. Can I put studded tires on an electric car?
You can, but it is not recommended if the car is operated in the city. Studs create noise and increase energy consumption. For mountainous areas, Nokian or Continental models with microcrystals are suitable.
11. How to check if a tire is adapted to an electric vehicle?
The sidewall should have the marking EV, Elect, iON, ElectricDrive or a battery logo. The specifications also indicate “low rolling resistance” or “Noise Reduction Foam”.
12. Can different tires be put on the front and rear axle of an electric vehicle?
No. The torque distribution system in electric vehicles works sensitively, so the difference in traction can affect safety.
13. What noise level is considered comfortable for an electric vehicle?
Optimal — up to 70 dB. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV has 68 dB, while cheaper counterparts often exceed 73-75 dB, which is noticeable in the cabin.
14. How often should you check tire pressure in winter?
At least once every two weeks. In cold weather, the pressure drops by 0.1-0.2 bar for every 10 °C drop in temperature.
15. How to store electric car winter tires after the season?
Remove, wash, dry, fold vertically or hang. Store at a temperature of +5…+15 °C away from direct sunlight.
16. Does winter tire wear differ between electric cars and internal combustion engines?
Yes. Due to the greater weight and instantaneous torque, an electric car wears out the tires 15-25% faster. Therefore, it is important to monitor the balancing and pressure.
17. Does the type of rims affect the efficiency of winter tires?
Yes. Alloy rims reduce the weight of the wheel and improve fuel economy, but steel rims are better able to withstand winter reagents and impacts.
18. Do you need RunFlat for an electric car?
Not necessarily. Most electric cars have a TPMS pressure monitoring system. But RunFlat can be useful for long trips without services nearby.
19. How to determine that winter tires have lost their properties?
If the tire has become hard, has cracks or the tread depth is less than 4 mm - it needs to be replaced. This is critical for an electric car due to its greater mass.
20. What winter tires are the most economical for electric cars?
According to 2025 tests, the lowest rolling resistance was shown by Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 EV, Bridgestone LM005 EV and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance SUV+ — they increase the range by up to 5-7%.
