Hybrid Car Tyres: Do You Actually Need Different Ones?

Drive on any road, through any urban environment, town or city in the UK, and you will notice that there are almost as many electric and hybrid vehicles on the road as there are standard cars. Designed to offer better efficiency, reducing the reliance on traditional fuel and minimising carbon emissions, electric and hybrid vehicles are an undeniably more sustainable choice for drivers. And that’s not the only benefit.

While electric vehicles are powered solely by electricity, hybrid vehicles boast a combined reliance on standard fuel and electricity - with fuel stores kicking in and keeping the vehicle moving once the electric charge starts to run low. The benefits of both include a smooth driving experience, fuel efficiency, and modern design.

But as is the case with any vehicle type, most of the benefits of a hybrid or electric vehicle are only really possible with the right tyre fitments. In this blog, we’re looking specifically at hybrid vehicles and the tyres required to keep these cars safely on the road.

What’s Different About EV Tyres?

Before we dive into the demands of hybrid cars, it’s important to understand the different types of tyre available and how EV tyres differ from standard car tyres.

Electric vehicles are fitted with different mechanics and a large battery that keeps the car powered across long and short journeys. This means that the vehicle is much heavier than a standard car, putting extra pressure on the tyres - which need to be extra strong and durable. Because electric vehicles move from 0 to full speed at the press of a pedal, tyres also need to boast a tread pattern and surface structure that maximises traction and grip, to ensure safe handling and reliable responsiveness.

Other attributes of electric vehicle tyres include the noise reducing design to compliment the almost silent engine, and the low rolling resistance which maximises the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Many tyre brands are expanding their range into the EV market, manufacturing tyres that are strong and built to last under the pressures of an electric vehicle model. But how do hybrid cars respond to these tyres, and do hybrid cars require EV tyres or regular tyres?

Do Hybrid Cars Need EV-Specific Tyres?

Hybrid cars rely on a combination of traditional fuel and electric charge. As a result, they are heavier than standard cars (owing to the integrated battery) but are not as heavy as full EVs and so don’t exert the same weight pressure on tyres.

As a general rule, hybrid vehicles tend to drive best with premium or high-performance standard car tyres, rather than the stronger and weightier EV tyres. Not only does choosing high quality tyres optimise the durability of the fitments on a hybrid car, but it also maximises the fuel efficiency and comfort of the driving experience. Other benefits of choosing premium or high tyres in particular include the enhanced fuel efficiency of the fitments, and the low noise output of the market’s more premium models.

With all that in mind then, what are the best tyre models for a hybrid vehicle?

Our Pick of the Best Tyres for a Hybrid Vehicle

We’ve already touched on the design features of EV tyres and how hybrid vehicles are best fitted with premium standard car tyres. But what else do drivers need to consider as part of their tyre selection?

For those in the UK, the best and most convenient option tends to be all-season tyres - complete with the combined benefits of summer and winter tyres for maximum safety, comfort and durability. Alongside seasonal design, other traits to look for in hybrid vehicle tyres include reduced rolling resistance and optimum fuel efficiency, as well as strength and superior grip.

Among the top models worth browsing, we recommend the Michelin e-Primacy eco-friendly tyres, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tyres, Bridgestone Ecopia models, and Hankook’s Kinergy Eco tyres. All of these models and more are available on our site, alongside advice on tyre maintenance and how to optimise performance in your hybrid vehicle.