Tire pressure significantly impacts the range of electric vehicles (EVs) due to its influence on rolling resistance, which is the friction generated when tires rotate against the road surface. Here’s how tire pressure affects EV range:
Impact of Underinflated Tires
- Increased Rolling Resistance: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means more energy is required to move the vehicle. This increased energy consumption reduces the EV’s range by draining the battery faster.
- Efficiency Loss: Studies show that even a slight underinflation can lead to noticeable efficiency losses, affecting overall EV range.
Impact of Properly Inflated Tires
- Improved Efficiency: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, leading to improved efficiency and a longer driving range. EVs often use higher tire pressures (e.g., 45 PSI) than gasoline vehicles to enhance efficiency.
- Optimized Performance: Keeping tires at the recommended pressure ensures that the vehicle operates at its optimal efficiency, maximizing the potential range of the EV.
Over-Inflated Tires
Although not as common an issue for EV range, over-inflated tires can lead to reduced grip and quicker tire wear, which may indirectly affect vehicle performance and range due to uneven wear patterns.
Conclusion
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for optimizing the range of an electric vehicle. It reduces rolling resistance, enhances efficiency, and ensures that the vehicle operates at its best performance level. Regular checks are essential as tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes and time.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-tire-pressure-affect-ev-range/
