Best Winter Tires for Electric Vehicles: The Car Guide's Top Picks for 2025-2026
After cars, SUVs and trucks, The Car Guide is now taking a look at the best winter tires for electric vehicles ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
You know how cold weather makes life difficult for EVs: reduced range, slower charging, heating problems in some cases, etc. However, winter tires can also affect the quiet ride that drivers appreciate so much and sacrifice even more range.
- Also: Best Winter Tires for SUVs: The Car Guide's Top Picks for 2025-2026
- Also: Best Winter Tires for Cars: The Car Guide's Top Picks for 2025-2026
That's why it's important to make the right choice when it comes to winter tires for electric vehicles. Also, the price is only one factor to consider. Grip, ride quality, noise and durability also must be part of your decision. It often pays off to spend more money on higher-quality winter tires and take good care of them than buying cheap tires from lesser brands and replacing them after a short time.
On that note, don’t hesitate to ask for expert advice from your local tire retailer as you consider the various offers and deals. Feel free to negotiate the price if you’ve found an identical set of tires at a cheaper price somewhere else.
One more thing: EVs are not only heavier, but they often have more power available for rapid acceleration combined with regenerative braking to recharge the battery during deceleration. As a result, their tires wear out on average 20% faster than those of a comparable ICE-powered vehicle.
What Are the Best Winter Tires for Electric Vehicles?
The Car Guide has compiled a selection of the best winter tires available for the 2025-2026 season, supported by recommendations from the experts at blackcircles.ca. These tires are suitable for most cars and small-to-midsize SUVs.
We may have left out a few models, but those listed below should all appear near the top of your shopping list. Incidentally, we’ve only identified one model per tire brand in order to cover as much of the market as possible.
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV
Our Opinion
Ensuring maximum comfort and safety, this next-generation studded tire combines superior winter grip (thanks to its Double Stud design) with low rolling resistance and quiet operation (thanks to SilentDrive technology). It still is a bit noisier than some other tires. The tread pattern is designed to withstand higher power and weight, making it ideal for electric vehicles.
- Excellent braking on ice
- Robust construction
- Noise from studs
- Available in sizes ranging from 15-22 inches
2. Michelin X-Ice Snow
Our Opinion
Michelin sometimes draws mixed reviews, but many will tell you that its X-Ice Snow excels with its exceptional grip on snow, slush and ice. Its Flex-Ice 2.0 compound keeps the tire flexible even at extremely low temperatures and ensures a fairly quiet ride, while its full-depth 3D sipes deliver a secure and stable driving experience. For an electric SUV, you should strongly consider the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV.
- Superior grip on all surfaces
- Excellent warranty
- Dry grip could be better
- Available in sizes ranging from 16-21 inches
3. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Our Opinion
This premium winter tire is an ideal match for electric vehicles. With its Nano Pro-tech compound, the Blizzak LM005 is known for providing superior traction and optimal handling on snow, ice and wet roads. Its multi-cell technology reduces hydroplaning and braking distances on wet surfaces.
- Comfortable ride
- Great on wet roads
- Reduced agility and braking performance
- Available in sizes ranging from 16-21 inches
4. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Our Opinion
You're probably familiar with the Scorpion lineup, but this Pirelli model is another top-quality choice for electric vehicles thanks to its available Elect technology. It offers powerful grip on snow and ice thanks to its advanced 3D sipe tread design and unique rubber compound. Its effectiveness has been proven in changing winter conditions with significant temperature variations.
- Exceptional grip
- Confident handling
- High prices
- Available in sizes ranging from 14-22 inches
5. Toyo Observe GSi6
Our Opinion
Thanks to its Microbit technology incorporating crushed walnut shells, the Observe GSi-6 provides better traction on icy surfaces. Performance in the snow is commendable, too. Meanwhile, the directional tread design allows for quick water and snow evacuation, ensuring stable and secure driving.
- Excellent on ice
- Good stability in corners
- Road noise