Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
Low rolling resistance (LRR) tires reduce the energy lost as heat each time the tire flexes against the road. On a gas car, this translates to better fuel economy. On an EV or hybrid, it directly extends range per charge. Here is how LRR tires work, how to identify them, and the best picks available.
What rolling resistance is and why it matters
Rolling resistance is the energy a tire consumes as it rolls. Each revolution of the tire flexes the rubber, and that flex generates heat — heat is lost energy. A tire with high rolling resistance requires more energy from the engine or motor to maintain speed. A tire with low rolling resistance wastes less energy per mile.
For a gas vehicle, the EPA estimates that rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20 percent of fuel consumption at highway speeds. Reducing rolling resistance by 10 percent can improve highway fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 percent.
For EVs, the impact is more significant because there is no combustion engine efficiency to buffer the difference. A 10 percent reduction in rolling resistance can extend range by 3 to 5 percent — worth 10 to 15 miles on a 300-mile vehicle.
How to identify low rolling resistance tires
The EU tire label (found on tires sold in Europe and often displayed on international tire spec sheets) rates rolling resistance from A (best) to G (worst). A-rated tires are the most efficient; C or D-rated tires are average.
In the U.S., there is no federal rolling resistance rating requirement. Look for tires marketed as eco, efficiency, EV, or low rolling resistance. Bridgestone Ecopia, Michelin Energy Saver, Continental EcoContact, and Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max are common LRR-marketed lines.
UTQG treadwear rating does not indicate rolling resistance directly — do not use treadwear as a proxy for LRR.
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Best low rolling resistance tires — 2025 picks
Bridgestone Ecopia EP500: originally developed for the BMW i3 EV. Narrow profile, very low rolling resistance. Available in a limited size range, primarily for small to mid-size EVs and hybrids.
Michelin Energy Saver A/S: Michelin's dedicated LRR all-season line. Excellent fuel economy ratings, available in common passenger car sizes, and strong wet weather performance. One of the best overall all-season LRR picks.
Continental PureContact LS: Continental's flagship touring tire consistently earns strong LRR ratings. Not marketed as LRR specifically, but it consistently tests at A or B class rolling resistance. Very quiet ride. Excellent for hybrids and gas efficiency-focused vehicles.
Bridgestone Turanza EV: Bridgestone's EV-specific tire with acoustic foam inside the tire (reduces road noise in the quiet EV cabin), optimized for EV weight distribution, and a low rolling resistance compound. Available in a growing size range.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus Elect: Pirelli's EV-optimized line with foam acoustic technology and a compound specifically tested on EVs. Growing availability in Tesla and Hyundai/Kia EV sizes.
Frequently asked
Do low rolling resistance tires make a difference?
Yes. On a gas vehicle, LRR tires typically improve highway fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent. On an EV, the improvement is more noticeable — 5 to 10 miles of additional range per charge depending on the vehicle. The difference compounds over thousands of miles.
Do LRR tires compromise grip or safety?
Modern LRR tires do not significantly compromise safety. Early LRR tires (10 to 15 years ago) had notably worse wet traction. Current premium LRR tires like the Michelin Energy Saver A/S and Continental PureContact LS score well in wet braking tests — comparable to standard all-season competitors.
Are EV-specific tires worth it?
For heavy EVs like the Tesla Model S, Model X, or Ford F-150 Lightning, EV-optimized tires that handle the extra weight and instant torque are worth considering. For lighter EVs like the Nissan LEAF or Chevy Bolt, standard LRR all-season tires are sufficient.
Do low rolling resistance tires wear out faster?
Not as a rule. The tradeoff people worry about is grip, not tread life, and modern LRR compounds hold up fine over a normal replacement cycle. If anything, the efficiency-focused touring tires in this category tend to carry solid treadwear warranties. Keep them inflated to spec and rotated and they'll go the distance.
Are they worth it if I don't drive an EV?
They can still pay off on a gas car or hybrid, just more slowly. The fuel savings are modest per tank but add up over years of commuting, and you're not giving up much to get them. If you're already shopping touring tires, picking one with strong efficiency ratings is close to a free win.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.