All-season doesnt always mean winter
I’ve been behind the wheel of the Acura NSX before.
It’s a wonderful hybrid supercar that handles spectacularly.
However, this is the first time I’m driving it on four inches of ice.
Bridgestone
I braked too late and turned too quickly.
I spent years driving up to Lake Tahoe in the snow with all-seasons on my all-wheel-drive WRX.
They worked very well, but I knew I needed to be cautious.
Bridgestone
EV Tires
Which brings us to EVs.
Most are outfitted with high-efficiency tires.
They have low rolling resistance and generally benefit from the range numbers the automakers have secured via EPA testing.
Bridgestone
However, the trade is that they’re not exactly built to tackle snow and ice.
Many EVs do have the added benefit of outstanding torque vectoring.
Like the NSX, the MDX with all-seasons performed surprisingly well.
Bridgestone
But then I drove the vehicle with the Blizzaks.
But I did it, and it was fine.
Wait, it was better than fine.
It was incredibly impressive.
In other words, tires matter in slick and icy conditions.
Way more than most people may realize, and the technology behind how they work is intriguing.
Tread differences seem like a no-brainer.
The rubber that hits the road is also far more complex than most drivers realize.
The compound needs to remain soft and compliant during extremely cold weather to grip the road.
It turns out the slipperiest conditions are a few degrees above and below 32-degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature at which water freezes.
That’s because unfrozen water in the mix makes tires slide more on top of the ice.
you’re free to also talk with your local trusted tire shop.
Robinson does admit there are additional challenges with creating winter tires for EVs.
“Rolling resistance is definitely in consideration.
There are also considerations about weight, regenerative braking, and torque.
Fortunately, many vehicles on the road are shipping with traction control prefs for slippery situations.
Even driving on a windy, hilly, track built on four inches of ice.
Want to know more about EVs?
We have awhole section dedicated to electric vehicles!
