How to Choose the Right Spare Tire for Your EV or Hybrid
It usually starts with a flat tire. Maybe it’s on a road trip or just outside your driveway—but it always comes at the worst time. And if you’re driving an electric or hybrid vehicle, that’s when the panic sets in: there’s no spare tire in the trunk. You’re not alone. More and more EVs and hybrids are hitting the road without a spare tire. While these vehicles are engineered for performance and efficiency, they often leave drivers unprepared for one of the most common roadside issues.
So what should you do? You plan ahead. This guide will help you understand exactly how to choose the right spare tire for your EV or hybrid—so you’re not left stranded.
1. Know Your Bolt Pattern and Lug Count
When shopping for a spare, your vehicle’s bolt pattern is the first thing to check. Most EVs fall into 4-lug, 5-lug, or 6-lug categories—but the exact pattern can vary.
For example: Tesla Models 3, Y, S, and X, Hyundai IONIQ 5 / 6, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E or Lucid. Knowing this detail ensures your spare fits snug and safely without modification.
2. Check for Big Brake Calipers
EVs often feature regenerative braking, which comes with the tradeoff of larger brake calipers. These oversized parts can make it impossible to use a traditional spare.
🔎 The fix: Choose a spare specifically designed to clear these bigger calipers—like the EZ Spare 20″ with 145/60R20, 175/70R20 or 195/55R20 tires.
4. Understand Tire Height Compatibility
You might drive on 18″, 19″, or even 21″ wheels—but here’s the secret: The overall tire height (diameter) is what matters for a spare, not the rim size.
EZ Spare tires are carefully sized to match your EV’s rolling diameter, which keeps your suspension and traction control systems working correctly.
5. Consider Creating an Emergency Kit
Having a spare tire is just one component of your roadside plan. You should also include the following items in your emergency kit: a jack, a telescoping lug wrench, and, for Tesla vehicles, a Tesla puck and reflective triangle or warning sign.
🚫 Note: Most generic jack kits won’t work on Tesla unless you add a proper lift puck.
Why Choose EZ Spare for Your EV?
We built EZ Spare Wheel because the industry left drivers behind.
Our mission is to make sure no EV driver is left without a solution, whether you drive a Tesla, a Lucid, or a Hyundai IONIQ.
Brake Clearance
Engineered to clear large brake calipers
Lightweight and Durable
Strong yet lightweight alloy for ease of handling.
Proven Quality
DOT-approved and globally trusted for over a decade.
Certified Safe
TÜV and ITS certified for added assurance.
Final Thoughts
You can’t predict when a flat tire will occur, but you can be prepared for it.
Whether you drive a Tesla Model Y, Model X, or a Ford Mach-E, selecting the right spare tire ensures you are ready for any situation.
Check out our 🔗 fitment guide or browse spare tires by vehicle make. Stay prepared, stay mobile, and stay confident—with EZ Spare.