It’s no secret that low-rolling-resistance tires help automakers achieve better fuel economy in electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is no outlier to that fact and comes equipped with a set of Michelin Energy Saver A/S Selfseal Green X tires.
But, what happens when an owner swaps out the standard rubber for something more enthusiast-oriented? More fun, less efficiency, to put it bluntly. Green Car Reports detailed the changes with a Bolt EV in a report published last Thursday. One owner changed out the original low-rolling-resistance tires for a set of Riken Raptors—considerably more aggressive and grippier.
While the fun factor shot up, since the tires could now better handle the 266 pound-feet of instant torque, range fell. The owner reported back after installing the tires and said range dropped about 7 percent, or to around 220 miles. The Bolt EV is rated at 238 miles of range, per the EPA. But, overall, the tire swap was positive.
Others have attempted to swap the tires out with more negatives. Road noise increases and worse ride quality accompanied more aggressive tires.
It leaves us at a conclusion: electric cars and plug-in hybrids desperately need greater tire technology. If, indeed, the future is electric, we can count on some performance-oriented EVs. They’ll need better tires without suffering from the negative attributes present today.
Comments
I finally became disgusted with the Michelin Energy A/S on my (ahem) Ford CMax:
1) frighteningly poor wet traction
2) Excessive tire howl beginning when they were half worn (but only in the 35 to 60 mph range)
3) Excessive tire squeal at moderate cornering speeds.
The replacement (Nokian Z-line) cured all of the above, and delivered a much smoother ride as well.
Note, however, that the TCP Spec Michelin Energy A/S used on the Bolt (and Volt) has a much different tread pattern than the one used by Ford. My daughter has a Bolt and reports none of the above issues.
And BTW the mileage dropped from around 44 mpg to between 41 and 42 in mixed driving.
Some people may sacrifice the 7-percent range if to get a better road feel while driving the Chevrolet Bolt as they can move back to the OEM tires after they’re more experienced with the personality of their first EV.
Rikken Raptors are some of the cheapest junk rubber available. We need some Bolt reviews with a number of higher quality less extreme performance tires. Definitely include the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus – it’s rated well on noise by both tirerack and consumer reports, and consumer reports also reports it as having relatively low rolling resistance compared to other UHP all season tires.
Even a more modest tire like the Pirelli P7 Cinturato Plus all season would be an improvement over stock. It’s one of the quietist tires on the market and it’s high enough in performance to be the stock tire on the VW GTI.