Nokian Creates EV Stamp of Approval for Tires
Those four black circles at each corner of your car are technically the only parts of the machine that literally touch the pavement. All the modern safety or efficiency gear in the world is useless if an owner has cheaped out with off-brand rubber or simply runs the wrong set.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Tires
Those of us in the Snow Belt know this, explaining the rise of that three-peak mountain snowflake symbol that certifies the tire for winter duty. But the rise of electric vehicles comes with a new set of considerations – and Nokian thinks they have an answer.
Tire Design and Electric Vehicles
With the rapidly (and perhaps, permanently) expanding EV market, tire design is affected by electrification in a number of ways such as weight, instant torque, and rolling resistance requirements. Nokian has been designing and testing tires with electric cars in mind for several years but feels now is the right time to introduce an Electric Fit symbol on the rubber it feels is suited for EV duty.
Understanding Electric Fit Tires
This doesn’t mean the tires are only for electric cars but rather have characteristics that suit the needs of an EV. Capability is defined by two characteristics in the tire world – molecular and mechanical. The former is what’s baked into the rubber compound for grip and durability, while the latter refers to the tread pattern and its associated features. For tires with the Electric Fit designation, Nokian says they’re approved to handle the heavier weight but also effectively tackle the duo of rolling resistance and road noise. Speaking to that part of the puzzle, some of Nokian’s tires deploy the company’s so-called SilentDrive sound-absorbing tech, an innovation intended to hush the hum.
The Future of Electric Fit Tires
While it doesn’t seem the Electric Fit symbol is yet an industry standard like the three-peak mountain snowflake, there’s every chance in the world it (or some form of it) will be adopted by other tire brands simply because it’s a logical progression of tire branding. After all, look at Tesla which called its charging solution ‘North American Charging Standard’ even though it technically wasn’t a standard at all. But what plug type will be the dominant style in 2025? That’s right: NACS.
Nokian’s Role in Shaping the EV Future
Nokian could find themselves writing this part of the script for our EV future. All they gotta do is make it like Tesla and casually start referring to Electric Fit as a standard.
In conclusion, choosing the right tires for your electric vehicle is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Nokian recognizes the unique requirements of EVs and has introduced the Electric Fit symbol to designate tires that are suited for EV duty. These tires are designed to handle the heavier weight of electric cars while effectively addressing rolling resistance and road noise. With their innovative SilentDrive sound-absorbing technology, Nokian is at the forefront of tire design for electric vehicles.
While the Electric Fit symbol may not be an industry standard yet, it is likely to be adopted by other tire brands in the future. Just as Tesla influenced the naming of charging solutions, Nokian has the potential to shape the tire industry’s approach to EV tires. By providing tires that meet the specific needs of electric vehicles, Nokian is paving the way for a smoother and quieter driving experience.
As the EV market continues to grow, it is essential for tire manufacturers to adapt and develop products that cater to the unique demands of electric vehicles. Nokian’s Electric Fit tires are a step in the right direction, ensuring that EV owners can enjoy optimal performance, efficiency, and safety on the road.
In conclusion, when it comes to electric vehicles, every component matters, including the tires. Choosing tires with the Electric Fit symbol can provide EV owners with peace of mind, knowing that their tires are designed to meet the specific requirements of their vehicle. As the EV market expands, it is likely that more tire brands will follow Nokian’s lead and introduce their own versions of EV-specific tires. The future of electric vehicle tires looks promising, and Nokian is leading the way with their innovative Electric Fit symbol.
