It’s indisputable that electric vehicles (EVs) produce no direct tailpipe emissions since they have no exhaust. Some argue that EVs generate more brake dust, but this claim doesn’t hold up because EVs use regenerative braking, significantly reducing brake-pad wear. However, their higher weight and greater torque lead to increased tire wear.
According to Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, founder and CEO of ENSO, a company specializing in EV tires, tire wear is a major environmental concern even without EVs. He cites studies by DEFRA and Imperial College, as well as data from Michelin and Goodyear, which show a 20% to 50% increase in tire wear on EVs. That wear contributes to air pollution and microplastics.
ENSO was founded to address these environmental impacts. Erlendsson believes that while no tire lasts forever, tire design can be greatly improved. Automakers can also reduce tire wear by producing lighter vehicles, limiting torque, or optimizing tire size. However, the aftermarket escapes all control. Once a vehicle is sold, nothing guarantees that replacement tires will perform as well as the originals.
Also, an LR backgrounder on the science and development of tyres for electric vehicles.
