How Electric Vehicles Are Impacting The Tyre Market
Electric vehicles are already having a huge impact on the design, manufacturing and selling of common car components due to the difference in engineering, the materials used and the need for fewer parts. In an electric vehicle, the motor is the main component, compared to the traditional petrol or diesel engine which requires hundreds of different parts to function at its optimum.
But what about the tyres? Just like many other elements of a vehicle, EVs are changing the tyre market across areas including technology, manufacturing and demand. As the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is due to come to an end by 2030, these impacts are only going to increase.
We’ll explore the evolving landscape of the tyre industry and what we can expect to see in the next few years.
Increased Demand For Low Rolling Resistance Tyres
EVs require specialised tyres that use less energy than standard tyres. This is so they can achieve an increased range on their charge.
Low rolling resistance tyres are manufactured with a specific shape, tread, weight and from certain components that enable the tyre to provide greater efficiency. As demand increases, it’s becoming easier to buy tyres online and get access to a greater range to suit specific needs.
Evolving Tyre Technologies For Electric Mobility
In the same way that innovative and breakthrough battery technology is helping to increase the performance in EVs, technology also plays a huge role in adapting to the needs of the electric tyre market.
Noise-reducing tyre technology enhances the driver experience and optimum rubber compounds increase grip and, therefore, braking distance.
Improved tyre construction components also mean that tyres can endure the heavier loads that EVs come with.
Shift In Tyre Manufacturing And Supply Chains
Although electric vehicles use fewer components and require less labour time to manufacture, the increased demand in the upcoming years will mean a huge shift is needed across production and supply.
Processes will need to be adapted to meet the requirements of EVs with production plants factoring in a whole new manufacturing system. This means that a different set of skills is likely to be needed to enable the workforce to keep up with demands.
As the costs of buying and running EVs become cheaper, both tyre manufacturing and supply chains need to be ready to deal with an increase in demand, especially as the need for diesel and petrol vehicles reduces dramatically.
As the tyre industry shifts to a focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, it’s likely that components will be made from a range of different sources in the future, once again shifting the way in which they are manufactured and altering supply chains.