The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing. As global demand accelerates, more drivers are making the switch to EVs, drawn by their sustainability, lower operating costs, and cutting-edge performance. But with new powertrains come new challenges, and one often overlooked issue is hiding in plain sight: tire wear.
At NIRA Dynamics, we believe that the future of vehicle safety, efficiency, and sustainability lies not just under the hood, but under the car, right at the contact point between vehicle and road.
The EV effect on tires
EVs are heavier and deliver torque more aggressively than traditional combustion-engine cars. While this makes for thrilling acceleration and regenerative braking benefits, it also increases tire stress. According to several studies, EVs can wear out tires up to 20% faster than internal combustion engine vehicles. This not only impacts driver safety and comfort, but also inflates maintenance costs and environmental impact through faster tire replacements.
In fact, drivers often don’t realize how worn their tires are. Research shows that 80% of vehicles with worn tires have treads below the legal limit, and 25% are still being driven with less than 3mm of tread left, significantly reducing grip, especially in wet or wintry conditions.
Why tire monitoring is essential for EVs
Tires are critical to EV performance for several reasons:
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Safety: Worn tires reduce grip, increase stopping distance, and amplify the risk of aquaplaning—especially problematic given how much EVs rely on grip for regenerative braking and stability control.
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Efficiency and Range: Tire pressure and condition directly influence rolling resistance. Increased resistance can reduce EV range by 6–7% depending on road and tire conditions.
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Sustainability: Frequent tire replacements mean more rubber waste and a bigger environmental footprint. Monitoring and optimizing tire usage supports a circular economy approach.
The NIRA way: Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
That’s where NIRA Dynamics’ Tread Wear Indicator comes in. TWI is a software-based solution that tracks tire degradation over time, without needing any additional sensors. By analyzing existing vehicle data—like wheel speed signals and vehicle dynamics—TWI estimates remaining tread depth and wear rate with high accuracy.
Here's what makes TWI different:
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Zero Hardware: No need for extra sensors, batteries, or wiring. It’s 100% software.
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Real-Time Insights: TWI continuously monitors tire condition throughout the life of the vehicle.
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OEM Value: Provides manufacturers with a powerful tool for service planning, customer retention, and upselling tire services.
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Driver Benefits: Enables predictive maintenance by giving automatic reminders before tires become dangerously worn, keeping drivers safe and tires on the road longer.
Smart software for smarter EVs
NIRA Dynamics has equipped over 100 million vehicles with its virtual sensor software—redefining what’s possible with intelligent, embedded technology. Our Tread Wear Indicator is part of a broader portfolio including Tire Pressure Indicator, Tire Grip Indicator, and connected road surface insights that help EVs operate more safely and efficiently.
Together, these tools unleash the full potential of electric vehicles by creating a safer, smarter, and more sustainable driving experience.
