Developed with EVs in mind – Davanti DX440

With increasing consumer demand and the greater availability of electric models, the number of electric cars in the UK has rapidly grown. When looking at how this increase is playing out in the fleet market, research from the SMMT indicates that three out of every four new electric vehicles were registered to fleets.

As of November 2023, data showed that of the 24,359 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) reaching the road, 77.4 per cent were taken on by fleets and businesses. In turn, this will see an increase in demand for reliable and cost-effective tyres for electric cars.

Questions about durability

But over the last couple of years, as EVs have become increasingly more common, questions have been raised about the durability of tyres when fitted on EVs. Peter Cross, general manager of Davanti Tyres, comments: “As a tyre manufacturer, we are well aware of how the weight distribution in EVs puts different pressure on tyres, and it is something our team of engineers are focusing on more when producing new products which potentially may be fitted to electric cars. We know customers are looking for tyres that are both reliable and provide great strength, considering the extra force on the tyre.”

With such a clear movement towards EVs for fleets and businesses, it is important tyre manufacturers react accordingly. Peter adds: “The trends we see across the automotive sector, and the clear uptake of EVs within fleets, helps guide the team about the next generation of tyres we develop. With every tyre we research and manufacture, durability, safety and reliability in different conditions and terrains are always thoroughly examined – including tyres we create with EVs in mind.

“Davanti’s DX440 light commercial van tyre is a great example of something we created with EV requirements considered – it is the perfect product for fleets, offering an all-purpose tyre that is a popular choice for delivery drivers and tradesmen driving traditional ICE vans. The DX440 was always designed to be versatile, and extensive testing highlights it maintains the quality and reliable performance transport operators need – we are also proud that it is the 100 per cent OE tyre for the electric VN5 van from LEVC.”

Davanti DX440 (Image: Davanti Tyres)

Still an information gap

Peter Cross continues: “Interestingly, there is still somewhat of an information gap with consumers when selecting tyres. With EVs relatively new to the market, it is essential as a tyre manufacturer that we communicate the importance of having the right tyre on your car – including tyres which are suitable for EVs. The independent garages we work with at Davanti also have a role to play when it comes to education, which will of course take time.”