This article is sponsored by Nokian Tyres.
Electric vehicle drivers are discerning. They spend a great deal of time analyzing and discussing which EVs will give them an efficient, eco-friendly, and enjoyable driving experience.
But they could be forgiven for overlooking a hidden factor that makes a huge difference in whether EV drivers can get the most out of their vehicles – their tires.
Tires are essential in winter when snow and ice can turn everyday journeys into treacherous ones. Winter tire inventor Nokian Tyres analyzes four ways electric vehicles impact driving, which conveniently spells the acronym “WNTR.”
Weight
Myth: Weight and all-wheel drive are all it takes to make EVs safer in winter.
An EV’s weight can indeed help it gain traction when roads are slick with snow. And when all four tires have power, it can be easier to get the car moving.
But there’s a problem: stopping. That’s when the momentum from an EV’s added bulk needs some assistance.
You may have heard the adage that four-wheel drive is NOT four-wheel stop. That’s where winter tires come in. They grip slick surfaces and stay nimble in the coldest weather, partnering with all-wheel drive to make electric vehicles more secure in winter.
Noise
Myth: Winter tires are noisy.
Electric vehicle drivers love the quiet and comfort their cars and trucks provide. It’s wasteful, then, to pair a silent vehicle with loud tires. That leaves northern drivers in a bind since winter tires’ rubber compounds, tread patterns, and studs can increase road volume.
Fortunately, some tire makers have taken steps to reduce road noise in the winter months. Nokian Tyres employs SilentDrive Technology in its winter products, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 EV and Hakkapeliitta 10 EV. The global tiremaker from Finland inserts acoustic foam between the rim and the tire, reducing sound at the frequencies that are most bothersome to drivers.
Temperature
Myth: Winter tires are only needed for snowy and icy roads.
There’s a reason the inventor of the winter tire calls it a “winter tire” and not a “snow tire.” Sure, winter tires are adept at carving through snow and gripping on ice. But in fact, all-season tires aren’t meant to be regularly driven in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). All-season and summer tires harden like hockey pucks in cold temperatures and lose grip with the road. That increases stopping distance and raises the odds of calamity.
Winter tires are crafted for snow, ice, slush, and cold. They are engineered to stay soft in frigid conditions, making them the safest driving solution in the winter months.
Range
Myth: Winter tires decrease range.
Every EV driver wants a predictable range, and many become frustrated when mileage per charge decreases in cold weather. Others are reluctant to install winter tires because they think the softer compound leads to a lower range.
In actuality, winter tires’ soft compounds don’t necessarily harm their efficiency. The right rubber can improve range; the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 is the most energy-efficient winter tire ever made, outpacing many all-season tires in that area. Plus, as we’ve already established, they’re safer in cold weather.
Driving safety is important all year long, but winter is crunch time. If EV drivers remember “WNTR,” they’re more likely to stay safe on the road in the colder months.
