Rolling resistance — the energy lost flexing the tyre as it rolls — accounts for roughly a quarter of an EV's energy use and about 20% of a petrol car's fuel consumption. Low-rolling-resistance (LRR) tyres reduce that loss, and the difference between a good and a poor tyre is real: 2025 testing found up to a 30% spread in rolling resistance between the best and worst EV tyres, translating to a range gap of around 60+ km on the same car. Owners often see 5–10% more range from efficient tyres. Look for an A rating on the EU tyre label's rolling-resistance scale, ideally paired with at least a B for wet grip.
Low-rolling-resistance tyres at a glance
| Aspect | Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Share of EV energy use | ~25% | Big lever for range |
| Share of petrol fuel use | ~20% | Real fuel savings |
| Real-world range gain | ~5–10% | Best vs poor tyres |
| EU label grade to target | A (rolling), B+ (wet grip) | Balance efficiency and safety |
| Best/worst spread (2025 test) | Up to ~30% rolling resistance | ~60+ km range difference |
What rolling resistance actually is
Every time a tyre rolls, it flexes where it meets the road, and that flexing turns energy into heat that is simply lost. That loss is rolling resistance, and it is one of the main forces your car has to overcome — alongside aerodynamic drag and the energy needed to accelerate. It matters at all speeds, but it dominates at lower and medium speeds where aerodynamic drag is small.
Low-rolling-resistance tyres are engineered — through special rubber compounds, tread design and construction — to flex less and waste less energy, without (in good designs) sacrificing too much grip.
Why it matters more for EVs
Rolling resistance is a bigger share of energy use in an EV than in a petrol car. Estimates put it at around 25% of an EV's total energy consumption, versus roughly 20% of a combustion car's fuel use. That's because EVs are efficient elsewhere (no idling losses, regenerative braking), so the tyres make up a larger slice of what's left. The upshot: for EV drivers, tyre choice is one of the most effective levers on real-world range.
How much you actually save
The gap between tyres is larger than most people expect. In 2025 EV tyre testing, the spread between the best and worst tyres reached around 30% in rolling resistance — and on the same car that translated into a range difference of roughly 60+ km between the best and worst tyre. In everyday terms, owners often report 5–10% more range when switching from grippy performance or budget all-seasons to efficient EV-specific tyres.
For petrol cars the saving shows up as fuel: an A-rated tyre can save in the region of 0.5 litres per 100 km versus an E-rated one — about a 7.5% efficiency improvement in the best case, though real-world gains are usually smaller since most tyres sit in the B–C range.
Reading the EU tyre label
The EU tyre label — required on tyres sold in the UK and EU — is the simplest way to choose. It grades three things:
| Label measure | Scale | What to target |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling resistance (fuel/energy) | A (best) to G (worst) | A for maximum efficiency |
| Wet grip (braking safety) | A (best) to G (worst) | At least B — don't trade away safety |
| External noise | Decibel rating + waves | Lower if noise matters to you |
The sweet spot most EV tyre specialists recommend is an A rating for rolling resistance paired with at least a B for wet grip — efficient, but without compromising stopping distance in the wet.
The trade-offs to know
- Grip vs efficiency: the most efficient tyres can have slightly less ultimate grip; this is why pairing an A rolling-resistance grade with a strong wet-grip grade matters.
- Comfort and noise: some efficient tyres are firmer; check the noise rating and reviews.
- Wear: EV-specific tyres are often built to handle the extra weight; fitting cheap, unsuitable tyres can wear faster and lose efficiency.
- Pressure is free efficiency: even the best LRR tyre wastes energy if under-inflated — check pressures monthly.
Getting the most from your tyres
- Choose tyres with an A rolling-resistance grade and at least a B wet-grip grade.
- For an EV, pick a genuine EV-rated tyre designed for the weight and torque.
- Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure — under-inflation kills efficiency.
- Rotate and align regularly for even wear and lower rolling resistance.
- Don't chase ultra-grippy performance tyres unless you need them; they cost range.
The bottom line
Tyres are a quietly powerful efficiency choice. Because rolling resistance is around a quarter of an EV's energy use, the right tyres can add 5–10% range, and the wrong ones can quietly cost you that much. The simplest rule: target an A rolling-resistance grade with at least a B for wet grip on the EU label, fit EV-rated tyres on an EV, and keep them properly inflated. It's one of the cheapest range upgrades available — and it improves fuel economy on a petrol car too.
Frequently asked questions
How much range do low-rolling-resistance tyres add?
Why does rolling resistance matter more for EVs?
What should I look for on the EU tyre label?
Do efficient tyres mean worse grip?
Does tyre pressure affect efficiency?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
