Conhecimento Essencial sobre EV

Does Tire Pressure Affect EV Range?

Yes. Tire pressure can affect an electric vehicle's energy efficiency because incorrect inflation can change rolling resistance, tire deformation and the way the tire contacts the road. Drivers should therefore maintain the tire pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer rather than deliberately overinflating tires in an attempt to increase EV range.

How does tire pressure influence an EV?

As a tire rolls, it continually deforms where it contacts the road. This deformation consumes energy and contributes to rolling resistance.

If a tire is underinflated, deformation can increase. This can increase rolling resistance and therefore the amount of energy required to move the vehicle.

For an EV, that energy ultimately comes from the battery.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is therefore important not only for efficiency but also for:

Driving range | Handling | Braking | Tire wear | Load capability | Tire durability

Should I increase tire pressure to get more EV range?

No.

Drivers should follow the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Deliberately overinflating a tire to try to reduce rolling resistance can alter its contact with the road and negatively affect characteristics such as ride, handling, grip and wear.

Check the recommended pressure in the vehicle owner's manual or on the vehicle tire-pressure placard.

Giti Engineering Insight

Pressure is only one part of EV efficiency.

Tire engineers can also reduce energy loss through compound development, tire profile optimisation, construction and tread design.

Giti's BMW programme demonstrates this engineering approach. The GitiSynergy H3 developed for the BMW iX1 and iX2 achieves the highest EU Rolling Resistance label rating of A, according to Giti, while also being engineered to meet BMW's handling, noise, wear-life and sustainability requirements. 

Key Takeaway

Correct tire pressure helps an EV operate efficiently, but pressure should always follow the vehicle manufacturer's specification. EV range optimisation requires balancing rolling resistance with safety, grip, handling and durability.