At Nokian Tyres, we’ve been putting our tires to the test on electric vehicles for over a decade. A lot has changed since then, but one thing hasn’t: people still have questions about how tires impact the way their EV drives. Find answers here.
Did you know? Nokian Tyres set our first EV world record back in 2012.
A lot has changed since then, but one thing hasn’t: people still have plenty of questions about how tires impact the way their EV drives. Whether you’re new to electric vehicles or have been behind the wheel of one for years, we’ve got answers. Here’s how we design our tires to handle the biggest challenges EVs bring to the road: weight, noise, torque, and range, starting with the questions we hear the most.
Are EV tires quieter than regular tires?
One of the first things you’ll notice when driving an electric car is how quiet it is... until the road noise kicks in. With no engine to drown it out, the sound of your tires becomes more noticeable. That’s why we’ve designed our EV products to be significantly quieter than traditional ones. Our premium EV models like the Hakkapeliitta R5 EV include a feature called SilentDrive™ Technology, which is a layer of acoustic foam inside the tire that absorbs vibrations and reduces road noise. Combined with a specially designed tread pattern and rubber compound, these tires directly address one of the biggest EV challenges: noise. The result? A calm, quiet cabin so you can enjoy the silence (or your music!) without the constant hum of the road.
Can I use regular tires on my EV?
Yes! You can put regular tires on your electric vehicle...but beware, because not all tires are created equally. Because EVs present unique demands, it’s important to drive tires designed to be compatible with EVs.
Every Nokian Tyres product is a seamless fit for EV and hybrid vehicles, which is why you can find our Electric Fit emblem on the latest generations of Nokian Tyres products. And for the winter months, we offer a pair of EV-specific tires: the non-studded Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 EV, and studded Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 10 EV.
Electric vehicles are heavier, deliver instant torque, and rely heavily on efficiency. Most regular tires aren’t optimized for those kinds of requirements. Our EV-compatible tires use advanced rubber compounds that reduce rolling resistance, helping you get more miles out of every charge. They also feature reinforced structures that help support the added weight, and our dedicated EV winter tires offer SilentDrive™ Technology to keep the ride whisper-quiet.
Tires that aren’t developed for the special needs of EVs likely won’t deliver the same efficiency, range, or quiet ride as tires made specifically for electric vehicles (like ours!). Think of it like wearing dress shoes on a hike—you can, but it’s not going to be the best experience.
How do EV tires affect battery range?
One of the easiest ways to get more out of your EV’s battery is by choosing the right tires - yes, really! We’ve designed our electric vehicle tires to help you go further on every charge by focusing on one key factor: rolling resistance. Our EV-specific tires use advanced rubber compounds, like the Green Trace™ compound in the Hakkapeliitta R5 EV, to reduce the amount of energy your car needs to keep moving. And more than 90 percent of tires across our product portfolio rank in the lowest categories of rolling resistance.
Less resistance means your battery works more efficiently, ultimately improving your range. Whether you’re commuting, road tripping, or just running errands, they’re made to support your electric lifestyle by helping you drive further with less power.
You can also play a role in your EV’s efficiency by making sure your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated.
Driving the Future, Together!
Electric vehicles are changing the way we drive, and we’re proud to build tires that evolve right alongside them. From increased range and lower road noise to a more comfortable, efficient ride, our EV-ready and EV-specific tires are designed to support your journey wherever it leads. Have more questions about tires for your electric vehicle? Learn more here! Also, we’re always here to help on our social media channels @NokianTyresNA, or at [email protected]. We love to hear from everyday drivers!
In the market for a set of tires? Stop by a local tire shop and ask a trained expert which Nokian Tyres products are right for your driving needs:
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
