The uptake of new EVs and PHEVs could make franchised dealers better placed to promote themselves as the first port of call for replacement tyres.
For most car owners the preferred outlets for new tyres are the big name fast fit operators (40%) and local independents (30%).
Although 16% of owners return to the franchised dealer that supplied them with their cars, only 6% of them have tyre plans in place, according to research by JudgeService.
“EVs can burn through tyres up to 30% quicker than combustion engine cars because of their instant torque and the weight of the batteries,” said Neil Addley, managing director of JudgeService.
“Franchised dealers have often struggled to sell tyres, even on vehicles in for servicing and MOT work. While many owners either don’t know dealers can supply tyres or assume a fast fit or independent will be cheaper.
“For these reasons, capturing this work will not be easy but it does present a welcome opportunity for those dealers keen to seize it.
“To achieve this, we believe tyre plans should be promoted as part of every EV and PHEV purchase, with sales staff making customers aware these cars are heavier than regular combustion engine vehicles and require specially designed tyres which can be more expensive.
“Affordable tyre plans can help owners budget with certainty and spread their costs, while enabling franchised dealers to retain workshop business they would typically lose. For dealers the opportunity to secure incremental tyre business must become a priority, as this represents the first point of defection from franchised workshops.”