Vi Bilägare Summer EV Tire Test 235/55 R19 2025

Summer tire testing is in full swing, and even lesser-known motoring magazines are increasingly deserving of attention, such as the Finnish Vi Bilägare, which conducted a summer tire test focusing on electric SUVs. Electric cars behave differently with tires than cars with a standard combustion engine. This is mainly due to the vehicle's higher weight and different weight distribution. Another factor is the sharper acceleration and braking.
The tested summer tires are standard aftermarket products but with certification for electric cars. For comparison, the magazine decided to include OE tires in the tests - with exact specifications according to the vehicle manufacturer. These were original tires for Volvo and VW. An interesting idea, but the results may be a bit misleading, since the test vehicle was a Kia EV6 (electric vehicle) and some tests were even done with a Tesla Model Y. Since the OE tires were for VW and Volvo, they could behave differently on other cars. On the other hand, these are tires for SUVs and even two different specifications were tested, so the results should not be very different. When comparing the results, the evaluation of only one OE tire was taken into account.
The tests took place in Spain, near Madrid, and although it was relatively cold for this region (about 10°C), let's not forget that it was a Finnish test and this temperature is common in this country in spring and autumn.

In addition to comparing standard tires and announcing the winner, there was also a competition between OE and standard tires. As we mentioned, EV tires have to withstand greater loads in all driving categories, so everyone was interested in how tires that are manufactured as standard for a wide range of vehicles would fare compared to tires manufactured based on the specific requirements of vehicle manufacturers.
The testers deliberately do not mention the names of the manufacturers of the tested EO tires. As you will see from the results, these manufacturers could face criticism, which should not fall on their heads, but on the heads of the vehicle manufacturers who determine the specifications for tire production.

The test will feature multiple disciplines that are rated subjectively by the driver of the vehicle. In this case, points are awarded from 1 to 5, with more being better.
In dry braking, the Pirelli Scorpion and Nokian Hakka Black 3 performed best. Both tires have identical braking distances. This time, the OE VW tire made it into the table, which had a braking distance 2.4m longer than the best summer tires. The EO Volvo tire did a little better, but still lags behind the premium tires.
In Handling, the best were the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, with a full 5 points. Of the OE tires, the OE VW was included in the chart, receiving only 2 points. The EO Volvo tire did a little better, receiving 3 points (not in the chart).

The winner in wet braking is the Nokian Hakka Black 3 with a braking distance of 41.6 meters. However, Michelin and Pirelli are breathing on its back with a minimal difference. OE tires are still not the best and are fighting for the penultimate place with the cheap Hilfi tire. The braking distance of the EO VW is 5.5 meters longer than the Nokian. The EO Volvo is better and the difference is 3.2 meters.
In terms of handling, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 beat everyone and was the fastest on the track. It was followed by Nokian, Continental and GoodYear. The OE Volvo was the worst premium tire, but the EO VW was the absolute worst, so in this test, the original tires came in last place.
In the wet circuit, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was the best. In this case, lateral grip is measured and the differences in times are minimal. However, the OE tires achieved such results that both belong to the penultimate position. They did not convince at all and were beaten only by the cheap budget tire.

As we move from safety tests to the comfort zone, OE tires begin to improve.
The subjective assessment of ride comfort gave both the Pirelli Scorpion and the cheap Hifly HP801 the most points – 5. The OE tires received 4 points each, and it is starting to become clear what features the vehicle manufacturers have focused their attention on.
The quietest summer tires were the Nokian Hakka Black 3 with special SilentDrive technology and received 5 points. OE Volkswagen received 4 points and OE Volvo received one less – 3 points.

The test itself showed us that vehicle manufacturers primarily prioritize low noise and low rolling resistance, which gives the tire a better mileage. Unfortunately, safety driving characteristics such as braking distance and handling are not given much emphasis. This is logical, since low rolling resistance also brings with it low grip. Manufacturers are trying to solve this handicap with new compounds and technologies. As it seems for OE tires, perhaps the great pressure on a low price in primary production does not get as much quality material. In any case, based on these tests, we should recommend standard summer tires with EV certification more than summer tires with a specification for a specific vehicle. But be careful, there are EV vehicles or premium cars where the OE specification is really necessary. If you put other tires on there, you may have problems with switching to the original rims.

If you can't decide which tires are more suitable for you, we will be happy to discuss the choice of new tires with you and try to suggest the best alternative.
In our e-shop you will find a wide range of various summer tires, winter tires and all-season tires, from classic to real off-road tires, with which you can afford much more on unconventional terrain than with regular tires.
We will be happy to advise you on choosing tires in our brick-and-mortar store, and you can change your tires in our tire service.
Visit us in Košice on Popradská Street (ORLEN gas station) or call the following phone numbers:

+421 (0) 55 78 99 273, +421 (0) 905 606 842