Electric vehicles are transforming the Quebec automotive landscape. But while adoption soars, one question remains: how do tires help drivers get the most out of their EVs?
In 2024 alone, Quebec accounted for 43% of all EV sales in Canada, putting 124,104 new electric cars on its roads, according to the Association des Véhicules Électriques du Québec (AVEQ).
As EV ownership rises, global tire makers have been rethinking what goes beneath the wheels. Nokian Tyres, the inventor of the winter and all-season passenger car tire, has been developing EV-ready solutions for over a decade. Back in 2012, the company even set a world speed record on ice with an electric car. Today, every Nokian Tyres product carries the “Electric Fit” symbol, certifying its compatibility with EVs.
So what makes EV tires different — and how are manufacturers adapting?
Weight: Heavier Cars, Heavier Demands
EVs weigh 10–15% more than gas-powered cars, which puts added strain on standard tires. This excess weight accelerates tread wear, raises the risk of blowouts, lengthens braking distances, and complicates handling on wet or snowy surfaces.
To counter this, tire makers are reinforcing structures, upgrading rubber compounds, and designing tires to remain stable under heavier loads. Nokian Tyres uses robust internal frameworks and advanced materials to ensure safe handling and long-lasting durability under the unique stresses of electric mobility.
Noise: Quieter Cars Expose Road Sounds
With no engine noise to mask it, tire noise dominates the EV driving experience. Manufacturers combat this by engineering tread patterns and rubber blends that dampen sound frequencies.
Nokian Tyres employs “silent sidewalls,” optimized tread designs, and even acoustic foam in models like the Hakkapeliitta 10 EV and R5 EV. These innovations absorb vibrations and reduce cabin noise, delivering the hushed ride EV drivers expect.
Torque: Instant Power, Instant Stress
EVs generate up to three times more torque than similar gas vehicles — and they deliver it instantly. This exhilarating acceleration can quickly wear down conventional tires.
To handle it, Nokian Tyres designs reinforced treads and premium rubber compounds that resist abrasion and maintain grip during sudden bursts of power. The result is a tire that balances durability with responsiveness, letting drivers enjoy full performance without sacrificing safety or longevity.
Range: Tires That Stretch Every Charge
Rolling resistance — the friction between tire and road — directly affects EV range. Poorly designed tires sap energy and shorten trips. Smart design, on the other hand, helps drivers travel farther on a single charge.
Nokian Tyres focuses on sidewall construction, tread patterns, and low-resistance compounds to minimize energy loss. Over 90% of its products fall into the lowest rolling resistance categories, giving EV owners a real advantage in efficiency.
EVs offer power, efficiency, and quiet comfort — but only if their tires are engineered to match. As Quebec leads Canada in electric adoption, manufacturers like Nokian Tyres are proving that tires are more than just rubber on the road. They’re a critical piece of the EV experience.
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