Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 90%
Wet Conditions – 90%
Snow – 60%
Comfort – 90%
Noise Reduction – 80%
Durability – 80%
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The popularity of electric vehicles has been on a constant rise for the past decade or so. Some people get them because they’re “green,” while others like the instant torque. It doesn’t matter why people get them; what is important is that they’re here to stay.
Electric vehicles are vehicles, but tire manufacturers want to be in the game and make tires for these vehicles. They are tires, like the ones we have on regular cars, but these have certain features aimed at EVs. In most cases, we’re talking about tires with low rolling resistance that help extend the range.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have dedicated performance tires for EVs. Some manufacturers are making these kinds of tires for people who drive a bit enthusiastically. One of those manufacturers is Goodyear.
Some of the latest additions to the company’s lineup are the ElectricDrive models, and the one I’ll be talking about is the ElectricDrive GT. As a UHP option, can this tire deliver on the promised performance, or Goodyear has to try harder?
Pros
- Excellent aquaplaning resistance
- Superb performance on damp roads
- Plenty of grip and traction in dry conditions
- The comfort levels are pretty good for a UHP tire
Cons
- Snow performance isn’t the best
- There is a noticeable hum, especially on rougher surfaces
The Features of the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT
Goodyear worked on the ElectricDrive GT and implemented features that help it deliver performance, as well as maintain the crucial aspects of any EV tire.
Since it’s a model made for EVs, the manufacturer implemented its SoundComfort technology. It’s an additional layer of foam on the tire’s inner side to absorb the noises created by the tread.
On the performance side of things, we have the all-season asymmetric pattern aimed to deliver improvement in several areas. The compound can handle a bit of colder weather, meaning that this tire should offer performance in winter conditions.
The tire’s tread pattern features wide shoulder blocks. They’re also designed to be stiffer, which should help the tire remain controllable even under heavy loads. In addition to that, they help improve the handling characteristics and make the type more dynamic.
For performance in wet conditions, the tire’s tread pattern features wide circumferential grooves designed to channel water. This should result in a tire with excellent aquaplaning resistance, keeping it stable at higher speeds.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT in Dry Conditions
Even though we’re talking about a UHP tire, the ElectricDrive GT is a model you’d use in daily driving scenarios and as such, it offers excellent performance.
For driving around town without pushing it, the grip and traction levels are far higher, meaning that you’ll never reach the limits. The tire’s braking distances are excellent and among the shortest in this category. To be fair, there aren’t tons of models for comparison here.
Pushing the tire is something that it can handle with ease. You can take it on a twisty road and play around with it. The tire will handle your EV’s instant torque, meaning the slip will be kept to a minimum. Putting it on a track with its closest rival, the P Zero All Season Plus Elect, will show that the performance is just marginally behind, but that’s only if I start to nitpick.
In terms of handling, I have to say I was expecting a bit more. It’s not a terrible performer, and as a UHP tire, it responds very well to inputs, and for most people, it will be excellent. In some situations, it may feel like you’re asking too much of it, but you’ll experience those only on the track.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT on Wet or Slippery Roads
Driving in wet conditions is something you will experience in the real world, and the ElectricDrive GT won’t leave you disappointed.
In daily driving scenarios on damp roads, the traction is excellent, keeping your driving experience slip-free. Going into a corner is something that the tire does with ease without pushing wide. With that said, you can push it past its limits, and even though it will remain controllable, you should be prepared for some understeer. The best part about this tire is that it offers impressively short braking distances, considering the category and the vehicle application in question.
Like many premium rivals, this is one where standing water won’t cause a massive problem. Thanks to the tread pattern, the tire’s aquaplaning resistance is excellent, and the stability isn’t compromised.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT in Snow
The ElectricDrive GT is an all-season tire, and as such, you’d expect to get usable winter performance, but unfortunately, that’s not the case here.
Don’t get me wrong, the tire does a good job of remaining pliable in colder temperatures, but it doesn’t do well with snow. Even in lighter conditions, you’ll notice it struggling for traction. It deals with unpacked snow a bit better than packed, but it’s still not great. This becomes evident from the braking distances, which are far from the shortest in this class.
You can probably guess that trying to get any performance in harsher conditions is something this tire doesn’t do. Ice is tricky for any all-season tire, but this one seems to struggle a bit more.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Off-Roading
UHP tires can do a lot, but off-roading isn’t one of their strong sides, which is the same with the ElectricDrive GT. The tire’s performance is excellent on the road, but off it, you’ll have poor performance. In addition to that, you can damage it quite easily on that kind of surface. If you really need to drive, you may do it on dirt roads, and make sure not to be too aggressive with your inputs.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT for Sporty Driving
As a UHP tire, the ElectricDrive GT is designed for sporty driving, and it does that quite well. The overall performance is excellent, providing plenty of grip and traction even for aggressive driving scenarios. It’s also a tire that offers a pretty dynamic handling. I wouldn’t classify it as the best, but it’s much better than any touring tire.
Does the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Ride Comfortably?
Performance-oriented tires aren’t the most refined models, but in recent years, we have kept seeing some decent models, and the ElectricDrive GT is one of those.
The comfort levels are pretty good for a UHP tire. It smooths out road imperfections without feeling overly stiff. At the same time, it’s not too soft so that it feels bouncy. It’s just right, leaning a bit more on the firm side, but it’s not something I’d categorize as a drawback.
When it comes to noise levels, I’d say that the tire is quiet enough. There isn’t a lot of noise around town, and the hum isn’t overly pronounced at higher speeds. My only complaint is that the tire roar is a bit more noticeable when driving on rougher surfaces.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Warranty
Regarding the warranty, I wish the ElectricDrive GT would offer a bit more. With a treadwear warranty of 40,000 miles, it’s behind many of its rivals, including the Pilot Sport All Season 4 or Pirelli’s UHP tire for EVs.
Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
As for the price, I have to say that the ElectricDrive GT isn’t as competitively priced as I thought it would. The 18-inch model is more expensive than the rest of the UHP segment, which is to be expected. When compared to its direct rival in the EV segment, it’s still a bit more expensive.
Should I Buy the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT?
There aren’t too many UHP tires for EVs, so it’s not like you have a lot of choice. Despite that, the ElectricDrive GT is one of the best options for these kinds of vehicles.
The performance is excellent, and the tire does an excellent job dry and wet. You have more than enough performance for anything from regular driving around town to pushing it on a twisty road. The handling could use a bit of spicing up to make it more dynamic, but I cannot fault it. You get all of this from a well-refined tire, so there aren’t too many downsides.
My complaint is the snow performance which could definitely use some work. It’s not unsafe, but it’s behind tires from this category. In addition to that, the tire doesn’t scream affordability and is a bit more expensive when compared to some of its direct rivals.
Overall, if you’re fine with the higher price tag, the ElectricDrive GT is an excellent tire for your EV.
What Vehicles Will the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT Fit?
Here’s a sample list of cars that the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT will fit:
- Tesla Model 3
Tire Sizes of the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT
18″
- 235/45R18 98W
19″
- 235/40R19 96W
- 255/45R19 104W