Get EV Ready for Winter: Your Guide to Safe and Smooth Winter Driving

Winter Tires & EVs: Putting Performance First

Like it or not, winter is around the corner. And in some places across the country, it’s already here. With colder temperatures comes extreme weather and unexpected driving conditions, which should put winter tires at the top of the priority list.

As temperatures consistently approach freezing, tires need extra grip for braking, accelerating and turning capabilities, that only winter tires can deliver. Even if you have 4 wheel-drive, you still need winter tires on the front and back to conquer the winter elements, particularly when braking. Winter tires have specific tread designs and are made from specific rubber compounds to provide better grip, traction and braking in extreme weather.

EVs and winter tires

There is a myth that because EVs are heavier due to the added weight of the battery, that they don’t need to have winter tires. But that’s not true. In fact, because the vehicle is heavier braking distances may be lengthened, making tire performance in winter conditions even more important.

With colder temperatures and road conditions, EVs will also typically see a reduced range in winter. To combat both of these, winter tires need to be engineered to have low rolling resistance to help maximize the range and carry the load of an EV. That’s why equipping an EV with high-quality winter tires is critical.

Choosing winter tires for your EV

According to Michelin’s research, EV owners want a winter tire that provides optimal traction in all winter conditions, exceptional durability and minimal noise while not sacrificing their vehicle’s range. The same research also showed that EV owners are unwilling to compromise on winter safety and traction.

Michelin winter tires meet all these needs for EV owners by offering the ultimate confidence on snowy and icy roads.

• Optimal Range: Concern about EV range is present regardless of the season. Michelin tires are engineered to have low rolling resistance which helps maximize the range of an EV.
• Winter Performance: 72% of Canadians understand cold temperatures burn battery life faster – and they’re right. Cold temperatures negatively affect EV batteries by up to 30%, which is why quality winter tires designed for EVs to minimize rolling resistance are critical for extending range and increasing performance.
• Leadership in Longevity: EVs are heavier due their batteries, so they need tires which can carry the load. Michelin winter tires are designed to provide long lasting performance over the life of the tire.
• Low Noise: The sound of the tires on the road is much more noticeable in an EV – so the tires need to be created with reduced noise levels. Michelin winter tires are designed using Piano Acoustic Tuning to minimize the noise coming from the tread pattern.

At Michelin, all winter tires are made EV ready and designed with the highest standards offering optimal performance for your vehicle. This includes the Michelin X-Ice Snow, Michelin X-Ice North 4, Michelin Pilot Alpin and Latitude Alpin tire lines. FUN FACT: Did you know that 90% of the X-Ice Snow sold in North America are manufactured here in Canada?

Shop MICHELIN® winter tires