This article is sponsored by Nokian Tyres.
As electric vehicles continue to redefine the automotive landscape, many drivers are noticing something unexpected when they first get behind the wheel: how quiet EVs are.
At highway speeds, electric cars are usually about three decibels quieter than gas-powered cars, and this difference can increase to 10 decibels during slow city driving – about half as loud to the average driver. It's the same visual contrast as the distracting bluster of a blender versus the subtle flow of a dishwasher.
The difference is caused by a series of controlled explosions inside the fuel cylinders of combustion engine vehicles. In addition, their exhaust systems naturally increase noise; in contrast, of course, EVs do not produce and are powered by a silent battery.
Besides the constant roar of the internal combustion engine, new sounds are emerging. Loudest sound? The screeching of tires as they roll over the road. For tire manufacturers, that's a challenge. As EV adoption accelerates, tire design has entered a new era where silence is more important than ever.
Why Tires Are So Important to EV Drivers
In internal combustion vehicles, the sound of the engine and drivetrain often drowns out the sounds made when the tire meets the road. Electric vehicles remove that layer almost entirely. What remains is road noise: vibration, wind and tire noise transmitted by the wheel, the suspension, and the car's structure in the room.
That's a problem, as EV drivers expect a quiet ride. Tire manufacturers help with solutions designed to reduce noise levels without compromising safety, efficiency or performance.
Analog solution for high-end vehicles
Ironically, tire manufacturers are using simple solutions to make the new EVs more comfortable on the road. One such answer: acoustic foam placed between the tire and rim.
By incorporating a layer of acoustic foam inside the tire, the foam reduces sound and dampens vibration before it reaches the tire. The result is a remarkably quiet ride, especially at high speeds and on rough terrain where noise tends to increase.
Dedicated EV Tires or One Size Fits All?
As automakers address the unique needs of EVs – noise, but also weight, torque and range – they are taking two proverbially different roads. Some manufacturers create entire product lines designed specifically for electric vehicles. In addition to having unique surfaces aimed at solving the challenges faced by EV drivers, specialized product components help tire manufacturers establish themselves as leaders in this emerging space.
Some manufacturers believe in developing an all-wheel drive EV. For example, the latest generations of Nokian Tires products carry the Electric Fit logo which indicates that all their tires are developed with electric vehicles in mind. This expands the range of tires available to EV drivers and assures them of a smooth, quiet ride regardless of their priorities on the road. Companies that take a “one size fits all” approach have typically baked EVs into their testing processes for more than a decade and are comfortable fitting their tires with noise-reducing materials without sacrificing safety.
A Quiet Road Ahead
As electric vehicles change the expectations of travel, tires will play an important role in how drivers experience the road. From reducing cabin noise to improving efficiency and safety, thoughtful wheel design can elevate every ride.