Bigger wheels are pushing tyre costs up – here’s where fleets can take control

Fleet tyre costs are creeping up, and it’s not just because prices are rising. According to data from Epyx, the average tyre fitted to fleet cars has grown by a full inch since 2023.

ICE vehicles have moved from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels on average, while EVs have jumped from 18-inch to 19-inch setups. That increase is now feeding directly into replacement costs, with average EV tyre prices climbing from £190 to £214, while ICE tyre costs have risen from £109 to £122.

For everyday drivers, bigger wheels often look smarter and suit the growing popularity of SUVs. But for fleets, they can create extra cost in areas that already cause avoidable downtime. Larger, lower-profile tyres are generally more vulnerable to pothole damage, punctures and kerbing, especially on heavier EVs.

Interestingly, hybrids appear to be bucking the trend. Average tyre sizes have stayed stable at 18 inches, while replacement costs have actually fallen.

Strong tyre management is increasingly becoming a cost-control tool, not just a safety exercise. Providers such as ATS Euromaster offer proactive fleet inspection programmes, mobile fitting and tyre health reporting designed to reduce downtime and extend tyre life, while specialists like Micheldever are increasingly helping fleets monitor wear, improve uptime and manage EV tyre demands more effectively.

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