Autobild: EV Summer Tire Test R18 2025

Electric vehicles pose unique challenges for tires: balancing energy efficiency to preserve range with safety in wet conditions, noise reduction for quieter cabins, and durability under heavy battery loads. AUTO BILD’s 2025 test evaluated eight summer tires—including EV-specific models like the Hankook iON evo and conventional options—to determine if specialized designs truly meet the demands of modern EVs.

Testing focused on critical metrics:

Rolling resistance to gauge impact on battery range.
Wet braking and aquaplaning resistance for rainy-day safety.
Noise levels, amplified in EVs due to absent engine sounds.
Longevity under high torque and sustained weight.

The trial compared EV-optimized tires, engineered for instant torque and efficiency, against traditional summer models. Key questions drove the evaluation: Can standard tires handle EV-specific stresses, or do they risk compromising safety and range? The findings highlight how tire technology adapts to the silent, heavy, and efficiency-driven world of electric mobility—without revealing winners or losers.

Hankook iON evo - Winner Recommended

N/A 24

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Hankook iON evo earns 1st place in the test, excelling as a purpose-built EV tire with best-in-class wet braking, dynamic handling, and aquaplaning resistance. Its low rolling resistance (B/A/A 69 EU Label) optimizes range efficiency, while robust treadwear (2+ mileage) ensures durability, though comfort and noise levels (2) trail premium rivals.
Wet Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Dry Handling Wet Performance Wet Braking Treadwear Dry Braking Driving Safety Price Comfort Noise

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

1.1
Continental PremiumContact 7 Recommended

95 53

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Continental PremiumContact 7 secures 2nd place with exemplary wet braking (1) and dynamic handling (1-), ideal for EV safety. While excelling in mileage (2) and offering competitive pricing (€620/set), its elevated rolling resistance (3+) and poor aquaplaning (2-) limit efficiency and wet stability.
Wet Handling Treadwear Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Aquaplaning Comfort Noise

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

1.2
Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV Recommended

91 54

· Summer · 2021 · Light Truck / SUV - Highway Rib Summer

Verdict:
The Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV earns 3rd place as a balanced EV summer tire, combining strong aquaplaning safety (2+ curve aquaplaning) and short braking distances (2+ wet, 2 dry). Its standout mileage (1) and low noise (1-) enhance practicality, though elevated rolling resistance (2-) slightly impacts efficiency.
Noise Straight Aquaplaning Cornering Stability Wet Braking Treadwear Dry Braking Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Wet Lateral Stability

Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China · Southeast Asia · Middle East · South Africa

Test Score:

1.3
Michelin Primacy 4+

87 58

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Michelin Primacy 4+ secures 4th place with strong dry braking (2+) and balanced comfort (2), supported by low rolling resistance (2+). However, limited wet traction (2- handling, 3 aquaplaning) and poor lateral aquaplaning resistance (3+) hinder its wet performance.
Comfort Rolling Resistance Dry Braking Dry Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Wet Handling Wet Traction Aquaplaning

Mexico · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · Middle East

Test Score:

2.4
Falken e.Ziex

N/A 25

· Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Falken e.Ziex ranks 5th as a budget-friendly EV summer tire, offering excellent rolling resistance (1) and competent dry handling (2-). While its aquaplaning resistance (2+) and dry braking (2) are respectable, wet performance falters with mediocre grip (3+ handling/braking) and average treadwear (3+ mileage).
Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Dry Braking Dry Handling Wet Handling Wet Braking Treadwear

Europe

Test Score:

2.5
Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten

N/A 32

· Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Firestone Roadhawk 2 offers excellent aquaplaning resistance (1+ straight, 1 curved) and competent wet braking (2+), tailored for EV safety. However, its severely limited mileage (4+) and mediocre dry handling (2-) relegate it to 6th place, despite a budget-friendly price (€445/set).
Lateral Aquaplaning Aquaplaning Wet Braking Price Rolling Resistance Treadwear Comfort Dry Handling Dry Braking

Europe

Test Score:

3.3
Yokohama BluEarth-XT AE61

N/A 34

· Summer · 2020 · Light Truck / SUV - Highway Rib Summer

Verdict:
The Yokohama BluEarth-XT ranks 7th, offering safe handling and exemplary low noise (1/10) for EVs, but struggles with poor aquaplaning resistance (3-) and high rolling resistance (3+). Its budget-friendly price (€475/set) is offset by limited treadwear (3- mileage) and mediocre wet/dry braking.
Wet Handling Dry Handling Noise Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Treadwear Dry Braking Aquaplaning

Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

3.6
Goodride Solmax 1

N/A 31

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The Goodride Solmax 1 ranks 8th, offering low noise (2+) and an ultra-affordable price (€340/set) for EV drivers. However, its dangerously long wet braking distances (4) and poor aquaplaning resistance (3+) compromise safety, while mediocre treadwear (3-) limits long-term value.
Price Wet Performance Noise Lateral Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance Straight Aquaplaning Treadwear Aquaplaning Dry Handling Wet Braking Dry Braking

Europe · Russia+ · China

Test Score:

4.4