As electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly transform the automotive landscape, routine tasks like tire changes will take on new complexity, requiring updated equipment and increased technician training. Tire changing is a straightforward procedure for most technicians, but the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs will introduce some changes, particularly when it comes to addressing the added weight of EVs.
Without the proper equipment, auto shops risk technician injuries and potential vehicle damage, incurring substantial costs to the customers. Even with the right tools, some shops may hesitate to service EVs, often due to a lack of training or knowledge.
To explore how shops can bridge the gap, we got hands-on and changed a 2021 Tesla Model Y’s OE tires to Hankook’s new iON evo AS tire designed for EVs. We found that, with the right adapters, EV tire changes make for a manageable process, nearly identical to traditional ICE vehicle tire changes.
The Yokohama Rubber Co. has begun applying its proprietary E+ mark on its tires for trucks and buses. The E+ mark, which indicates the tire has special qualities suitable for EVs, was first applied to Yokohama passenger car tires in the latter half of 2023. The first truck or bus tires to bear the E+ mark will be a tire sold for use on buses in Japan and another one for buses in Europe.