EV tyre opportunity for independent garages – Cleevely Electric Vehicles

An analysis of MOT failure data suggests that independent garages should consider how best to service demand for electric vehicle tyres. Matt Cleevely, managing director of Cleevely Electric Vehicles (EV), said the company is stocking a growing inventory of EV-specific tyres, with around 100 sales every month. This is on the back of new data analysis by Garage Industry Trends, which reveals that half of all EV MOT failures on vehicles registered after 2016 relate to tyres – almost double that of a diesel. Additionally, almost 60 per cent of EV advisories relate to tyre condition.

“The degrading state of roads, coupled with EV weight and their unique torque delivery, is seeing demand for EV tyres surge,” said Cleevely. “We’re finding that an MOT failure often transpires into a full set of new tyres. I’d urge other independent garage owners to consider the opportunity here.”

Cleevely EV has dedicated two tyre bays equipped with tyre fitting and wheel balancing equipment, capable of handling up to 22” wheels, the largest currently in demand. It stocks a growing inventory of EV-specific tyres and sells around 100 every month.

“Tyre bays must pay particular attention to load ratings,” said Cleevely. “EVs are heavy, so the correct tyre is essential. Take a Renault Zoe, it has 195/55/R16 tyres. Those that aren’t in the know could fit an 87-load rated tyre, when it should be a 91-load rating.”

Cleevely first recognised the potential growth avenue back in 2019. With a surge in EV business, it quickly became evident during on-site MOTs that a significant number of EVs were failing their first MOTs due to tyre wear. “Initially, we outsourced tyres from large national distributors but faced delivery delays of several days,” he continued. “We swiftly began stocking EV tyres to provide our customers with a better service.”

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which takes effect in January 2024, is expected to drive continued EV market growth. The mandate will require 22 per cent of cars and 10 per cent of vans sold by manufacturers to be electric. By 2030, 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans must be zero-emission, with a subsequent goal of reaching 100 per cent by 2035.