Michelin: Traditional tyres not fit for EVs

Electric vehicles obviously differ entirely from their combustion-engined counterparts in the powertrain department, but according to Michelin the contrasts don’t end there as battery-powered vehicles also require tyres with unique characteristics.

“As we move towards electric vehicles, the expectations from the tyres are different,” Michelin R&D boss Eric Vinesse told carsales.com.au at the recent Movin’ On mobility summit in Montreal.

“The first element to consider is that the torque output of EVs is typically a lot higher than combustion-powered vehicles, so we have to come up with tread designs that are more robust to withstand this.”

Michelin says the different weight distribution of EVs also requires special attention when it comes to tyres.

“Another element is that you get different battery packages on different vehicles, which means the total weight and distribution of it over all four wheels varies greatly, so we are actively working on tyres that are less sensitive to these differences,” said Vinesse.

“We see this as an opportunity to bring more differentiation [vis-à-vis other brands] with our products.”

The efficiency contribution of tyres also increases with EVs, which is reflected in greater driving range, says Michelin.

“The other thing is that, as we move towards hybrids and electric vehicles, the contribution of the tyre is actually getting bigger in terms of energy consumption,” said Vinesse.

“Of course, this is factor when you’re driving – in terms of rolling resistance – but also when you’re braking because you’re creating regenerative energy.

“So, the difference between a very efficient tyre and one that isn’t so efficient becomes very significant. In an electric car, the difference isn’t translated in terms of CO2 emissions but rather in range. A very efficient tyre allows you to drive further with the same battery pack.

“All these opportunities are very exciting because it brings the opportunity for more innovation and to introduce better materials into our products,” said Vinesse.

Michelin is the official tyre supplier for the electrified Formula E Championship and Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy. Vinesse says this provides the company with real-world data in extreme conditions, boosting the French tyre-maker’s development curve in creating bespoke tyres for EVs.