With their heavy weight and quick acceleration, EVs tend to burn through tires about 20% faster than internal combustion vehicles do, according to AlixPartners.
Other technical challenges include dampening tire noise, which is a lot more noticeable in the cabin of an otherwise silent EV, and improving an EV's range.
Michelin research shows tire selection can impact an EV's range by 10% to 15%.
Currently only about half of buyers do, according to Northcoast Research estimates.
"If EV does kind of evolve and proliferate through the car population like some think, it may bring about what I call the gold rush for tire manufacturers," said John Healy, an analyst with Northcoast Research.
Persons:
John Healy
Organizations:
Michelin, Northcoast Research