Ira Newlander, a resident of West Los Angeles, has been contemplating the switch from his 1997 Ford Explorer to a hybrid or fully electric car. However, he’s noticed a concerning trend in the market. Most battery-powered and hybrid vehicles don’t come equipped with a spare tire, and that’s something that bothers him.
Newlander recently expressed his frustration in an email to Honda, urging the company to include a full-sized spare in its electrified vehicles. In his email, he explained that he had conducted an informal survey among family and friends who shared his concern. The consensus was that saving 40 to 50 pounds by not including a spare tire is insignificant compared to the potential risk of being stranded in the middle of nowhere without a spare. This lack of a spare tire turns a simple discussion about a spare into a discussion of despair.
Honda’s customer service responded to Newlander, stating that the reason for excluding the spare tire in their new electric vehicles is actually a safety concern. They explained that in the event of an accident, the spare tire could potentially damage the electric battery, leading to battery failure.
While this explanation may seem plausible, car design experts believe that there’s a simpler reason behind the trend of excluding spare tires. The main issue lies in the size and weight of spare tires, which are becoming increasingly impractical for modern cars. Consumer Reports noted that in the past five years, 60% of tested vehicles came with temporary spare tires, and only 10% had full-sized spares. Nowadays, many cars are opting for alternatives such as run-flat tires, puncture kits, or roadside assistance.
Even top-selling electric sedans and SUVs like Teslas, the Chevy Bolt, and the Volkswagen ID.4, along with hybrids like the Toyota Prius, no longer include any kind of spare tire, despite their premium price tags. However, this decision isn’t due to a decrease in flat tires. According to LookupAPlate.com, U.S. drivers experience 94 million flat tires annually.
One factor that hampers the inclusion of spare tires is the competition for space within cars. With the increasing size of wheels on new vehicles, finding suitable space for a spare tire is becoming a challenge. Manufacturers are now exploring alternatives like inflatable spares, self-sealing tires, or run-flat tires. The issue becomes even more complex for cars powered by alternative fuels, as the necessary components encroach upon the traditional space for a spare tire.
Weight reduction is another reason carmakers are moving away from spare tires. Full-sized spare tires can add 30 to 50 pounds to a vehicle, which is significant when manufacturers are striving to meet emissions and fuel efficiency requirements. Eliminating the extra weight of spare tires helps maximize a vehicle’s range. While it may only increase an electric car’s range by a small percentage, manufacturers are keen on squeezing out any additional mileage.
Cost-cutting is also a major factor in the absence of spare tires. Including a full-sized spare adds to the manufacturing costs, ranging from $100 to $300 per vehicle, depending on the model. Additionally, tires for electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than those for traditional gas-powered vehicles due to the EVs’ heavier weight and the need for quieter tires.
The safety concern regarding spares in electric vehicles remains unclear, as Honda didn’t elaborate on their statement. Car design experts believe that the risk of spare tires causing damage to batteries in accidents is minimal. However, they do highlight potential dangers, such as spare tires becoming loose and causing damage to battery units during severe frontal impacts.
Ultimately, the question arises as to whether drivers truly need spare tires. Tires have significantly improved in durability, and modern cars are equipped with tire pressure indicators to warn drivers about low tire pressure. Furthermore, many cars without spare tires come with kits to patch and reinflate flat tires. Additionally, with the prevalence of roadside assistance services, many drivers opt to call for help rather than changing their own tire.
While carmakers may argue that spares are unnecessary for the majority of drivers, individuals like Newlander believe that having a spare tire is essential for longer trips or driving in remote areas. The debate continues between car manufacturers prioritizing cost, weight reduction, and space optimization, and consumers who value the security and peace of mind that comes with having a spare tire.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
