El automotive sector is undergoing a huge transformation in recent years, moving from traditional mechanics to electrified and 100% electric. These new vehicles have different weights, performance and needs, which also affects the tires.
MICHELIN has created specific ranges of tires for electrified vehicles, with adapted features, but it still says that all its products are compatible with electrics since they are the best tires. We wanted to test that claim and so we did, looking for the limit.
All Season Tires on an Electric Car
As winter is not far away, we have removed this one Renault Scenic electric the e.Primacy that comes as standard and we have mounted nothing less than some MICHELIN Crossclimate 2 SUV.
The Crossclimate They belong to the All Season range, all-season or four-season tyres - whatever we want to call them - from MICHELIN. They comply with European winter driving regulations; that is, in case of snow legally replace the chains. On the tire profile you can see the 3PMSF marking, with the 3-peak mountain and the snowflake.
Important, when replacing the chains We avoid two things. The first, the hassle of having to mount them, which you already know is not easy, especially with frozen hands. And the second and even more important thing to keep in mind is to avoid the situation of being stopped on the side of the road or in an unsafe place by placing them, with the peligro of the abuse that this entails.
First of all, I would like to point out that the MICHELIN Crossclimate 2 tyres are available for 15 to 21 inch rims and in total there are almost 200 different references right now between the “normal” version and the “SUV” version. In our case, we have measurements 235/45 R 20, with code 100H for load and speed. I won’t dwell on it any longer; let’s try it out.
Driving: An electric SUV with Michelin Crossclimate 2
Well, as I was saying before, winter is just around the corner and just as we are already thinking about whether we have to buy a coat or a scarf, It is important to properly fit our car. We remind you that Crossclimate tyres provide extra safety when temperatures drop.
Especially if we circulate through areas where the thermometer drops below 7 degrees or where it snows or freezes with some frequency; both the components and chemicals that give rise to the DNA of the tire and the tread pattern itself are specifically designed for this, to improve performance in those challenging conditions. In addition, offering great compromise with higher temperatures and maintaining maximum performance until the end of the tire's useful life.
The challenge that electric cars pose to tires is mainly related to efficiency to gain autonomy and noise so as not to reduce comfort, but we must not forget that they are heavier vehicles with greater acceleration capabilities due to their torque. This could stress or fatigue them if the tire is not adapted; unless you have the best tires...
And for 99% of drivers I'm sure they more than meet the requirements with the demands. In normal driving, we do not notice excessive rolling noise or a loss of comfort, while in an unexpected situation - where we have to brake or swerve - they display safe behaviour, with neutral and progressive reactions that allow us to keep everything under control.
To have the Maximum autonomy in electric cars, it is important to have tyres with low rolling resistance. Bear in mind that between 20 and 30% of the energy consumed is “lost” through the tyres. MICHELIN has considerable experience in this field, having been leaders in efficient tyres for over 30 years.
And be careful, if we have to driving with joy, they don't back down either. Obviously, here a sports tyre, like a Pilot Sport, offers more advantages; but, in this case, we are carrying more than 200 hp to the front axle and when we accelerate hard we don't notice the slightest loss of traction. This, honestly, surprised me.
By the way, something that not many drivers know is that these wheels also Improve off-road capabilities compared to a summer tire. It should be noted that they are not for extreme 4x4 driving, but they do provide an extra boost if, for example, we find a slope on a path or some mud. We have a little more grip that can make the difference.
Conclusion
As we always say, the tire is the only point of contact between the vehicle and the asphalt. It is of little use to have the best chassis, the best engine or the best brakes if the wheels are not suitable.
Let me give you some advice? For your safety and that of your loved ones, don't complicate your life and trust the best. And this, believe me, can be applied to an electric or thermal car, a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle.
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