USCALE study concludes electric mobility is transforming the tire market
30 April 2025
Electric cars have higher tire wear than combustion cars. It is therefore not surprising that drivers of electric cars set different priorities when buying tires than drivers of combustion cars. This is shown by the latest EV tire study by Stuttgart-based market research company USCALE.
In the world of combustion engines, buyers primarily look at the driving characteristics in special situations or weather conditions when making a purchase—aspects that have so far been the focus of traditional tire tests. Electric car drivers are different: The pioneers of electromobility have a clear focus on consumption and smooth running. The next EV buyer segment, the so-called early adopters, pay particular attention to wear and tear.
The differences mean that EV drivers take a closer look when buying tires. Three quarters of EV drivers are aware that there are special tires for electric cars. Half of them have paid attention to the fact that there are special EV tires when buying. However, only less than half of EV drivers feel well informed about EV tires in the purchasing process.
Over half of those surveyed would buy special EV tires (again) the next time they make a purchase. In the next segment of electric car buyers, the proportion is even higher than among the pioneers. So tire manufacturers and dealers are missing out on opportunities if they do not offer special EV tires, according to USCALE.
For the Germany EV tire Study, USCALE surveyed 1,006 drivers of fully battery-electric cars from various buyer segments in January 2025 about their tire purchasing behavior. For comparison, 501 drivers of combustion vehicles were included in the survey.
The tire industry has so far assumed that special tires are not necessary for electric cars. Technically, that may be true. But from a marketing perspective, the industry is overlooking the opportunities: EV drivers have different priorities than combustion engine drivers. It is therefore worthwhile for manufacturers and dealers to take a closer look at the affluent group of electric car drivers.
—Dr Axel Sprenger, Geschäftsführer USCALE GmbH
Do we know for sure that "Electric cars have higher tire wear than combustion cars"?
I would love to see a real-world study. Granted, EVs are generally heavier and more powerful (not compared to SUVs, but compared to old-school sedans that no one buys anymore), but they also have bigger/wider tyres, and use higher pressures.
After all, transport trucks have extremely long tyre life, in spite of extra weight. The car that I've owned with the highest wear was very small and light (just over a ton), but powerful for its size.
Posted by: Bernard | 30 April 2025 at 06:46 AM
Researchers at James Cook University have developed a groundbreaking method to convert microplastics into graphene.
https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2024/09/upcycling-microplastics-into-graphene-006648/#!
This is a win-win situation while relieving the oceans of plastic scrap for one and reducing the price of graphene to an affordable level for the other.
Normally, carbon is added to the tire rubber and could be replaced with graphene thus increasing the robustness of the tires making them more wear resistant and reducing carbon waste on the road.
Additionally, an Al-Graphene alloy used to replace conventional brake discs would reduce wear and tear of same and increase heat dissipation considerably and contribute to weight reduction of unsprung mass.
I'm by no means a fan of E. Musk but some of his achievement should be underlined. His concept of three major parts for the undercarriage of motor vehicles (EVs) , front section, middle section and rear section is progressive to say the least. These are presently designed as cast Al parts avoiding hundreds of single pieces being welded together, subsequently reducing assembly time and costs.
Casting these three sections with an Al- graphene alloy would increase their rigidity and mechanical reliability considerably. The rest of the vehicle component parts like doors, lids etc. would reduce the overall weight of the vehicle leading to an enormous reduction of dead weight subsequently increasing range and reliability.
Posted by: yoatmon | 30 April 2025 at 07:05 AM