More than 500,000 fully electric cars are on the UK’s roads but only a small percentage of drivers know the importance of fitting custom-made EV tyres to the wheels.

Bridgestone says many EV drivers run the risk of eating into the savings of going electric by not replacing with bespoke EV tyres

That’s according to Bridgestone, which says many EV drivers run the risk of eating into the savings of going electric by not replacing with bespoke EV tyres and is campaigning to make more drivers aware of this.

Of the 2,000 motorists questioned in Bridgestone’s YouGov commissioned research, 47% said they will be switching to an EV to save on high fuel costs, with 56% sold by the environmental benefits of driving an electric car.

But 8% were not aware of the differences of EV tyres and standard products.

EVs are much heavier than conventional cars and the added weight is ultimately carried by the tyres. Without adaptation to compensate, non-EV tyres are much more likely to wear quicker and won’t last as long.

Bridgestone’s north region vice president Andrea Manenti said: “What’s clear from our survey is that very few motorists are aware that there are tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles and even fewer know the benefits of them.

“While 47% want to change to save on fuel, many of them run the risk of eating into these savings by making more trips to the garage replace their tyres over a longer term.”

Manenti added: “All tyres might be black and round, but there are huge differences that very few motorists are aware of, particularly when it comes to EVs. Bridgestone is developing a growing number of original tyre fitments specifically engineered for this purpose.”

Bridgestone is developing its tyre technology to ensure that EVs can travel further between charges, whilst prolonging battery life.

Bridgestone’s Enliten technology in its EV tyres not only uses less raw materials, but also contributes to reduced rolling resistance. Enliten helps also to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in combustion vehicles, while also extending battery life and vehicle range in electric vehicles.

EV tyres currently represent 11% of Bridgestone EMIA’s total original equipment line-up for passenger cars – rising from just 4% in 2019. This figure is expected to reach over 20% in 2024.

Bridgestone’s YouGov survey also revealed that motorists welcome more advances in technology in the future, including the future arrival of airless tyres, which 19% would like to see brought to the marketplace in order to remove the risk of puncture-related breakdowns.

Bridgestone’s work here has seen it pioneer an AirFree concept product featuring tyre tread that’s placed on a unique structure of high-strength, flexible spokes. It doesn’t need to be filled with air, thereby eliminating the inconvenience, downtime and safety concerns associated with a flat tyre.