All-season tyres for EVs: the next big thing or just a fad? 

Electric vehicles are zipping along, and with them comes a whole new set of questions for drivers. While dedicated electric vehicle (EV) tyres have been the talk of the town, it seems some owners are now casting a sideways glance at the humble all-season tyre. But is this a genuine trend, or just a fleeting thought? To find out more, we chatted with an expert from Yokohama tyres to get the lowdown. 

The automotive world, much like a well-balanced car, is constantly evolving. We’ve seen the rise of the all-season tyre, a convenient option for drivers who prefer a ‘fit and forget’ approach. Now, with electric vehicles firmly on the road, manufacturers are producing specialised rubber. But are all-seasons for EVs the next big thing? And should you be fitting them to your electric vehicle? We caught up with Michael Harrington, who’s been navigating the tyre market for 18 years at Yokohama tyres, to explore this interesting shift. 

The informed EV driver 

Q: Michael, even with UK legislation pushing back the date for phasing out new petrol and diesel cars, the EV market is gaining momentum. When it comes to drivers' tyre purchasing, are you spotting any trends? 

A: "Yes, there’s definitely a feeling that EV drivers are more clued up about what their cars need. They’re aware that EVs are heavier, often more powerful, and come with plenty of torque. Plus, they’ve heard about specific EV tyre ratings. It seems they’re not just grabbing the nearest option; they’re doing their homework before they buy. They’re a more conscious buyer, informed about their specific tyre requirements.” 

The all-season appeal 

Q: Beyond simple convenience, what are the primary driving forces you're observing that are compelling EV owners to consider or switch to all-season tyres, especially when compared to traditional ICE vehicle owners? 

A: "It really comes back to that research element. EV owners often start by looking for specific EV tyres, and they fall down a bit of a tyre technology rabbit hole. In doing so, they discover the benefits of having a single tyre solution that can handle year-round driving in the UK. And, given the popularity of all-season tyres, they feature heavily in that research stage. But we do get our fair share of rain in the UK, and all-season tyres are designed brilliantly to disperse water, which is a big plus." 

Meeting the EV demands 

Q: From a performance perspective, how do Yokohama's all-season tyre offerings specifically address the unique demands of electric vehicles, such as instant torque, heavier weight due to batteries, and the need for efficient energy regeneration? 

A: "When it comes to EVs, the main requirement is ensuring the tyre’s load and speed ratings are appropriate. There aren't any extra, special criteria for weight or torque. However, Yokohama’s all-season tyres are built to offer premium performance in all weather conditions, and we ensure they come in load and speed index categories that suit many popular EV fitments. For instance, for a common Tesla Model 3 size, the standard load rating is 94 and the extra load is 98. So, we’ve ensured our all-season tyre meets the higher load rating, which naturally caters to the needs of the EV market." 

Safety in all conditions 

Q: When it comes to safety, are there any trade-offs or compromises EV drivers might encounter by opting for all-season tyres in diverse weather conditions – particularly in scenarios where dedicated winter tyres might typically be recommended? 

A: "No, not at all. Our all-season tyres are designed to provide premium performance across the board. They’re specifically made to cope with UK weather – that means they need to perform just as well in winter, summer, and during those rainy spells." 

The cost-saving factor 

Q: In these budget-conscious times, can you elaborate on the potential cost-effectiveness of all-season tyres for EV owners over the lifespan of the tyres, factoring in reduced need for seasonal tyre changes and potential differences in wear rates? 

A: "There are a few reasons why they can be cost-effective. The main one being you ditch the need to switch between summer and winter tyres, with an all-season tyre you've got a one tyre solution all year round. That's a significant convenience for many drivers, especially those heading to Europe for holidays or visiting friends and family. They need to ensure their tyres are compliant in different countries. That one tyre solution works well for UK drivers in places like the Northeast of Scotland, on that Highland belt between Inverness and Aberdeen. They face harsher weather conditions and need a tyre that can handle it year round.  

Then there’s the tread depth. All-season and winter tyres generally have a deeper tread pattern than summer tyres, with more sipes and grooves. This extra tread means they tend to last longer, as they’re not wearing down as quickly. It’s also a boon for businesses with fleets; all-season tyres can fit a variety of vehicles, keeping them on the road reliably throughout the year." 

Range and quietness: what’s the impact? 

Q: What impact, if any, does the use of all-season tyres have on an EV's driving range, and are there specific Yokohama all-season technologies designed to mitigate any potential negative effects? 

A: "When it comes to rolling resistance, which directly impacts EV range, tyres carry clear labels so drivers can make informed choices. The difference between the top and bottom grades on the EU tyre label is usually quite small, so while there might be a minor impact on range, we believe the benefits generally outweigh that slight reduction. Honestly, I’ve switched between dedicated EV tyres and all-season tyres myself, and I haven’t noticed a significant difference." 

The EV's whisper campaign 

Q: How do Yokohama's all-season tyre designs cater to the specific noise and vibration characteristics of EVs, which are often quieter and thus more susceptible to tyre-generated noise? 

A: "All our tyres are designed to deliver excellent performance and comfort, including those fitted to EVs. However, it's worth noting that our all-season tyres don’t feature the foam inserts sometimes found in specialist EV tyres. This means there could theoretically be a slight increase in road noise compared to a tyre with that technology, but it’s not something that’s been a personally noticeable issue. You’d probably need to be in a laboratory setting to detect it. Again, the tyre labels provide crucial information on noise levels." 

Making the switch 

Q: What advice would you give to an EV owner currently using separate summer and winter tyres who’s curious about simplifying things with a good quality all-season set? 

A: "Simply put, you won't be disappointed." 

Well, you can’t say fairer than that. There’s definitely some food for thought from Michael and some good reasons to look at all-season tyres for your next EV rubber switch, even in our milder UK climate. But what do you think? 

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