EV EV tyres: how long they last and what they cost
EV tyres usually last about 30,000–45,000 km, compared with 40,000–60,000 km on a petrol or hybrid car, mainly because EVs are heavier and have instant torque. Driving 250 km a week, that works out at roughly $297 to $706 a year in tyres, from the Hyundai Inster to the Polestar 3. It's a real cost, but small next to what you save on fuel.
Why EVs wear tyres faster
- Weight. The battery alone weighs about 300–600 kg, so an EV is typically 200–400 kg heavier than a similar petrol car. More weight means more scrubbing on every corner and every stop.
- Instant torque. Electric motors deliver full pulling power from a standstill. Quick take-offs wear the driven tyres fastest.
- Regenerative braking. Slowing down through the motor puts extra load on the driven wheels (but saves your brake pads).
- Bigger wheels and softer compounds. Many EVs come on 19–21 inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance or "EV-specific" tyres, which cost more and can wear quicker.
The RACV puts EV tyre life at 20,000–40,000 km, and UK fleet data found EVs needed their first new tyres about 10,000 km sooner than petrol cars. Independent wear tests on mainstream EV tyres, though, show 37,000–49,000 km, so careful drivers often do much better than the worst case.
What tyres cost per year
The five cheapest and five dearest EVs we track for tyres. Assumes 250 km a week (about 13,000 km a year) and a set lasting 35,000 km, with mid-range tyres fitted.
| EV | Set of 4, fitted | Per year | Over 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Inster | $800 | $297 | $1,486 |
| BYD Atto 1 | $900 | $334 | $1,671 |
| Geely EX2 | $900 | $334 | $1,671 |
| MG4 | $900 | $334 | $1,671 |
| BYD Dolphin | $900 | $334 | $1,671 |
| MG Cyberster | $1,800 | $669 | $3,343 |
| Zeekr 009 | $1,800 | $669 | $3,343 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | $1,800 | $669 | $3,343 |
| Volvo EX90 | $1,900 | $706 | $3,529 |
| Polestar 3 | $1,900 | $706 | $3,529 |
Wheel size makes the biggest difference. A small EV on 16–17 inch wheels can be fitted for under $1,000 a set; a large SUV on 21-inch rims can be $2,000 or more. Every car page shows its own tyre cost in the cost-to-own table.
EV vs hybrid: the tyre difference
Similar-sized cars, same driving. Hybrids are assumed to get 50,000 km from a set.
| Similar cars | EV tyres / yr | Hybrid tyres / yr | EV costs more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | $594 | $286 | +$308 |
| BYD Atto 3 vs MG ZS Hybrid+ | $371 | $234 | +$137 |
| Kia EV5 vs Kia Sportage Hybrid | $520 | $286 | +$234 |
So an EV might cost a few hundred dollars a year more in tyres, while saving well over $1,000 a year in fuel for most drivers. See EV vs hybrid costs for the full picture.
How to make EV tyres last longer
- Check pressures monthly. Under-inflation is the biggest cause of fast wear, and it costs range too. Use the figure on the door sticker.
- Rotate every 8,000–10,000 km, more often than for a petrol car, so all four wear evenly.
- Go easy on hard launches. The instant torque is fun, but it costs tread.
- Get a wheel alignment if the car pulls or the tyres wear on one edge.
- When replacing, look for tyres rated for EV load (an "HL" or XL load rating where specified) with good treadwear results, not just the cheapest set.
Does EV weight cost anything else?
Mostly no. Weight does slightly increase energy use, which our running costs already include through each car's claimed energy use. Registration in most states is based on vehicle type rather than exact weight, and EVs save heavily on brakes because regenerative braking does most of the stopping. Suspension parts are designed for the weight, so they don't wear out early in normal use.
Common questions
How long do EV tyres last in Australia?
Typically 30,000–45,000 km, depending on the car, the tyres and how you drive. The RACV quotes 20,000–40,000 km, while independent tests of mainstream EV tyres show 37,000–49,000 km. Petrol and hybrid cars usually get 40,000–60,000 km.
Why do electric cars go through tyres faster?
EVs are heavier because of their battery, usually by 200–400 kg compared with a similar petrol car, and their instant torque wears the driven tyres on take-off. Larger wheels and soft low-rolling-resistance compounds add to it.
How much do EV tyres cost per year?
About $297–$706 a year for 250 km a week, depending mostly on wheel size. Small EVs are cheapest; large SUVs on 20–21 inch wheels cost the most.
Do I need special tyres for an EV?
Not necessarily, but you need tyres with the right size, speed and load rating for the car. EV-specific tyres are quieter and roll more easily, which helps range, but often cost more. Any tyre meeting the placard specifications is legal.
More guides
How we work it out
Weekly cost is the car's claimed energy use (kWh per 100 km) × your distance × your electricity price. "Per week" figures on this site assume 250 km a week with 90% of charging at home. Petrol comparisons use the fuel use and price you choose. Prices are list prices at October 2026 and change often; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default or regulated flat rates from the AER Default Market Offer (NSW, SE QLD, SA), Victorian Default Offer, Aurora Energy (TAS), Jacana Energy (NT), Synergy (WA) and ActewAGL (ACT).
- Public charging: Sydney survey of Chargefox, Evie, NRMA, Tesla and BP Pulse prices, July 2026.
- Car specs and prices: manufacturer figures as published by CarExpert, AEVA EV fact sheets, Drive and EV Central's car guide. Some prices are the publisher's estimates; check with a dealer.
- Servicing: published capped-price schedules (BYD Sealion 7, BYD Seal, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J5 EV, Kia EV5, Zeekr 7X). Tesla has no fixed service schedule and CarExpert's EV servicing comparison. Where a model's pricing isn't published yet we use the brand's nearest model and mark it as an estimate.
- Tyres: we assume an EV set lasts 35,000 km (RACV says 20,000–40,000 km; independent wear tests of mainstream EV tyres show about 37,000–49,000 km). Replacement set prices (mid-range brands, fitted) from Gridly's 2026 EV tyre cost guide.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC average retail unleaded and diesel prices in each capital city, 21 October 2026 (ACCC weekly fuel price monitoring).
- Plug-in hybrids: prices, battery sizes and claimed electric range from CarExpert, Cars24, Zecar and The Beep. Real-world electric range is taken as 80% of the claim; plug-ins charged at home each night are assumed to do up to 85% of driving on electricity. Petrol use with a flat battery is our estimate from reviews where makers don't publish one.
- Diesel utes and SUVs: claimed combined fuel use and prices from CarExpert, 4X4 Australia and CarSauce. The HiLux automatic, Prado and Mazda CX-60 D50e are 48-volt mild-hybrid diesels; their small battery assists the engine but can't drive the car on its own.
- Petrol mild hybrids (Suzuki Swift Hybrid, Mazda CX-60 G40e): claimed fuel use and prices from CarExpert.
- Hybrids: claimed fuel use, prices and capped-price servicing as published by CarExpert and CarsGuide. Petrol and hybrid tyres usually last 40,000–60,000 km (RACV); we use 50,000 km.
- Home chargers: typically $1,000–$3,000 installed, about $2,000 typical (What's the Damage, October 2026).
- Novated lease rules: PwC summary of the May 2026 FBT changes.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer.