I gather from the links that the size and width of the tires influence EV range. Bigger wheels and wider tires can decrease efficiency and range, while smaller wheels and narrower tires enhance efficiency and comfort.
Man! That takes the Kool factor from an EV.
And then there is the fact that tires on an EV wear out 20% faster.
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I don’t know about comfort but they are designed for higher milage. The tires are also harder (the opposite) of performance tires. We sold our Volt after moving to Wisconsin because of the tires.
DB2
That’s not unique to EVs. Size and width of tires affect ICE fuel consumption, too.
It’s just physics. Tires don’t care what tech is making them roll.
—Peter
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There is more to it than that. Tires have rolling resistance values. Some roll easier than others. You would think softer tires are more comfortable for the rider but offer more rolling resistance.
Also note that batteries make EVs heavier. Heavier tires probably required. With their own set of parameters. Both rolling resistance, expected mileage, and rider comfort. Find the one that suits your preferences.
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Heavier than what exactly??? The Tesla model 3 sport sedan weighs almost exactly the same as the BMW 3 series sport sedan weighs. They’re also the same size. And the Tesla model Y midsize SUV weighs about the same as the Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV.
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An EV with no batteries? 
The Captain
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Know a German car mechanic, literally he is German and specializes in German cars, who swears narrow tires are better in the snow. They cut through the snow.
In my experience, it is ice that’s the problem with narrow (and hard) tires.
DB2
It is true that tires don’t care about what tech is causing them to turn. It is also true that tires DO care about how much torque is being delivered. It’s just physics.
The reason some EV tires show quicker wear is primarily because of the drivers. If a driver uses the available torque in a typical EV more often then they will experience quicker tire wear. If they drive more sedately, then they will experience slower tire wear. The same applies to any engine, use more torque, wear tire more, use less torque, wear tire less.
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Yes, EVs are, in general, a bit heavier than their ICE counterparts. But not usually by a lot. EVs don’t have full fuel tanks (~150#) or internal combustion engines (~400#) or multi-speed transmissions (~300# to 1000#), so while the batteries are heavy, there’s a lot of stuff in an ICE car that’s pretty heavy too. From a thousand to a couple thousand pounds worth.
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The batteries in early EVs were a load but newer designs use them as part of the structure, that saves on weight. You cannot use lead-acid batteries as structural elements but you sure can cylindrical cells.
The Captain
But again, they don’t care about the tech providing that torque. Lord knows I’ve prematurely worn my share of tires with ICEs providing the torque.
–Peter
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