4 - To support a heavy load
An electric SUV is heavier than its internal combustion counterpart because of the weight of the batteries. This amaount of addtional weight depends on whether the batteries are located in the rear of the boot (which is generally the case for hybrids) or under the floor (in the case of electric vehicles).
Michelin supplies tyres with a bigger diameter or the same dimension and a higher load capacity for your electric SUV.
The heavier the vehicle, the bigger the tyres need to be to carry the weight. But if the tyres are wider, they create wind resistance that will impact the overall performance of the electric SUV, particularly at high speeds. For these reasons, some manufacturers ask Michelin to design narrower tyres that improve aerodynamics, while still being able to carry more load. We created High Load capacity tyres (HL tyres). These tyres can be identified by the HL prefix on the sidewall, where the dimensions are shown.
The added value of Aero Wheels
To further optimise the aerodynamics of your electric SUV, you can also install Aero Wheels, which are special wheel hubcaps that are fitted over the rims.
In town, when you're accelerating and slowing down, the regenerative braking system is often used to optimise battery consumption. But on the motorway during a long journey, the battery is under strain and recharging occasions are rarer. In this context, Aero Wheels improve aerodynamic drag thanks to their greater penetration in the air. They therefore optimise energy consumption even further.