Electric vehicles are creating a market shift. As more drivers switch from traditional combustion engines to battery power, garage owners have to choose between adapting wheel service capabilities for EV models or losing to the competition.

Automotive shops with the right EV wheel-balancing and tire-changer configuration have a lucrative advantage over those that resist EV developments. Here’s what you need to know about EV wheel service and the equipment to get the job done.

EV Wheel Service Is a Different Game

EV wheel service follows unique protocols. This class of vehicles brings one-of-a-kind mechanical demands that impact how quickly the tires wear and how much stress the shop equipment takes on.

EV Vehicle Weight Considerations

The average EV battery weighs about 30% more than its gas-powered vehicle counterpart. This means some EV batteries weigh 1,000 pounds or more. The weight of these vehicles often results in additional stress on the tires.

Theoretically, you should have significant foot traffic if you choose to incorporate EV tire balancing and mounting services in your shop. This comes from EV drivers seeking the best long-term value for their investment.

Torque Delivery

Electric motors deliver full torque when a driver presses the accelerator pedal. This is a different process from that of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, which require shifting through several gears to reach the desired travel speed.

The immediate torque and power available to EV cars, trucks and SUVs cause tire tread to deteriorate rapidly, as each pedal press causes more of a launch from each stop compared to a gradual roll. This, combined with regenerative braking systems, can lead to uneven tire wear.

EV drivers require precise balancing and frequent tire rotations to keep up with the way their vehicles operate.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Shop

Garage and shop owners who position themselves as EV wheel service specialists can get ahead of the EV trend. By investing in specialized tire equipment for EVs now, your team establishes a reputation for hard-to-find services before others in your location.

Not all wheel service equipment can handle the demands of EVs. Consider the following when seeking out electric vehicle tire changers and wheel balancing equipment.

Electric Vehicle Tire Changing Equipment

A tire changer must have exceptional clamping force to secure heavier wheel assemblies. Do yourself a favor and look for machines with extended clamping ranges to accommodate the wide wheel diameters associated with EVs. Protecting mounting heads prevents scratches on premium finishes, and bead-assist arms handle the low-profile tires that smaller EVs rely on.

CEMB-USA offers professional-grade tire changers engineered to meet these requirements while making sure speed and safety are top priorities for your repair shop.

Wheel Aligner Systems for EV Vehicles

Wheel alignment systems are critical for EV performance and tire longevity. Electric vehicles give continuous torque and continuous breaks; minor alignment issues can increase wear and tear while compromising safety. Touchless alignment technology offers a different advantage for shops, eliminating the risk of wheel damage while providing rapid, contactless diagnosis. CEMB USA Argos X presents the next generation of alignment with a zero-contact system that delivers precise measurements without physically handling wheels. The Argo X results in faster service times, reduced risk of damage to expensive EV wheels, and the ability to find problems that contribute to uneven wear and vibration.

EV Wheel Balancers

The right wheel balancer for EVs must be designed for heavier loads. Automatic data entry systems help you speed up your shop’s workflow. It is vital to choose wheel balancers with laser-guided weight-placement technology for greater accuracy.

CEMB-USA has you covered with wheel balancers that give you the best of both worlds — Italian engineering with EV-focused diagnostics features. Easily identify situations relating to improper tire seating and vibrations that can otherwise jeopardize ride quality and driver safety if not corrected.

Purchase Wheel Service Equipment From CEMB-USA Today

CEMB-USA has been creating balancing technology and wheel service equipment since 1946. Our decades of engineering experience and dedicated customer support make us the clear choice for solutions, allowing you to perform well in the electric vehicle space. Contact us to discuss which tire changer and balancer combination is best suited for your garage.