Electric vehicle range estimates have become less of an issue as more models offer driving distances comparable to gas vehicles, but there are still plenty of factors that impact an EV’s efficiency. Driving style, the weather, and more can significantly change an EV’s driving range, but tires are among the most important and impactful vehicle components. Tread patterns, rubber compounds, and rolling resistances can greatly increase or reduce an EV’s range, making tires a crucial consideration for any owner. Sailun Tires, a more than two-decade-old global tire manufacturer, offers a dedicated tire that delivers the range and efficiency EV owners demand. Its new ERange line comes in a variety of sizes with applications for several new EV models and more on the horizon.
Sailun ERange Development And Testing
Sailun developed a proprietary low rolling-resistance “EcoPoint3” tread compound. The company used a Liquid Phase Mixing process to create the tire. The company noted that it is specifically designed to provide strong tire life, energy efficiency, and comfort, without compromising performance. EcoPoint3 has won numerous international tire awards, and the technology is a distinguishing factor for ERange tires among EV-specific tires.
Rigorous testing is an integral part of any new tire rollout. Sailun used in-house testing, third-party testing, and industry expert testing by journalists and EV enthusiasts to put the ERange through its paces. The company stated that its evaluations show around a seven percent increase in range per charge and noted that external content creators had seen similar numbers, with an up to 7.5 percent increase over other tires.
Independent testing from earlier this year placed a set of ERange tires on a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi, putting the seven percent improvement claims to the test. We found a 7.4 percent improvement on ERange tires, which could yield significant savings over the life of a vehicle. Depending on where you live, the electricity costs to charge over a 50,000-mile period could become quite daunting. In states like California, where electricity can be pricey, the savings could add up to hundreds of dollars, not enough to buy a new car, but a big chunk of the price of a set of ERange tires.
Tires Designed To Perform And Last
Tire life testing was part of that process. Sailun said it has received positive feedback from EV owners who state that treadwear and performance remain consistent at or above the 50,000-mile mark. Hybrid owners see even longer tread life, with some reporting up to 80,000 miles. Hybrids are generally less powerful and lighter than EVs, putting less stress on the tires. The company is understandably proud of these results, saying that they are even more impressive considering the consistent performance throughout the tire life.
ERange tires are all-season rated, designed to perform well in a variety of conditions throughout the year. While they are not intended for heavy snow, they do handle light snow effectively. Sailun has noted that, like every all-season tire model on the market, ERange tires lack the specialized winter tread compounds and tread patterns found in dedicated winter tires.
Many EVs offer stunning acceleration, even if they’re not explicitly marketed as performance models. Electric motors don’t need to rev to generate torque like gas engines do, giving them a more energetic feel off the line and sometimes breathtaking speeds. That puts a lot of stress on tires, especially those designed for peak efficiency, but Sailun said it has cracked the code. “EV owners are increasingly demanding more range per charge, regardless of the type of vehicle or tire. ERange can significantly address these range concerns by providing performance-oriented tires that still offer range improvements.”
More ERange Sizes Coming
The company said it is constantly studying the EV market to develop tires that match current and upcoming models’ performance. “Sailun is focused on understanding current and future EV consumer desires. We are gathering details from EV owners to ensure we launch the right ERange product lines at the right time, based on what the consumer is targeting. This means we are considering various types of ERange EV tires but will announce our next product line once all details are finalized.”
Sailun recently added new tire sizes to the ERange line, with models designed to fit:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Kia EV6
- Audi Q4
The company acknowledged that tire life for EVs is generally shorter than that of gas vehicle tires, but it views the challenge as an opportunity. More EVs are hitting the streets every day, and they will all eventually need a quality replacement tire. Though traditional tires work, their increased treadwear and higher rolling resistance make them less ideal for EVs, putting brands like Sailun in a strong position in the future.
