What is High load capacity tire?
Over the last decade, the present – and future – of car technology has changed dramatically, largely due to the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles. Their often-limited range requires all drivers to insure themselves that charging stations are on their way. These regular stops to recharge can add a significant amount of time onto your journey. The solution to this is a larger and heavier battery which can hold more charge, allowing you to enjoy a much longer range before needing to charge. But installing larger batteries means an inevitable increase in the overall weight of the car.
Since the load of the car is supported by the four tires, we then need to either increase the size of the tires or use tires which can safety handle more weight. However, the design of the vehicles (especially sport vehicles) often means they don’t have space to add in bigger tires, and the existing Extra Load (XL or EL) tires on the market aren’t sufficiently able to support the heavier load, despite being stronger and more hardwearing than standard tires. Because of this, the tire manufacturers association, ETRTO (European tire and Rim Technical Organisation) has defined a new tire standard that can carry more load than the existing XL tires. These are now known as the High Load capacity (HL) standard tires.
Discover what High Load capacity tires are, why Michelin is developing them, and the key technology used to design them for the ultimate safe and efficient performance.
HL tires for which types of vehicle?
High Load Capacity tires are tires which are designed to support heavier vehicles, such as electric vehicles, hybrid cars and SUVs. HL tires, which despite being the same size and inflated to the same pressure, offer the higher load capacity needed by hybrid and electric vehicles with larger batteries.
HL tires for which types of vehicle?
HL tires are easy to recognize, with a prefix stating ‘HL’ on the sidewall ahead of the size details.
Why is Michelin developing HL tires?
The need for adaptive technology and new tire designs is most clearly seen with the growth and widespread adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles. It’s important that consumers are able to buy tires that are designed for the specific needs of these vehicles – this usually includes a higher weight load because of the batteries, as well as to assure regenerative braking, lower rolling resistance while still making sure that noise is reduced as much as possible for a quieter journey. Last but not least, Michelin developed these reglementary tires to conform to the road safety rules.
How does Michelin technology support HL tires?
The technology used to create these tires is advanced and at the cutting edge of developments in modern tires. It involves using Michelin expertise to increase the tire body load-carrying capacity while maintaining rolling resistance and comfort through a combination of compounding, mold profile and reinforcement type. This means adapting the rigidity of the tread compound in order to support more load while maintaining wear performance and handling, as well as reinforcing the tire body in the zone of max strengths by using more robust plies and harder compounds. Finally, the profile is optimized and adapted to absorb the additional flexion(flexing or bending) of the tire, due to the weight increase, without sacrificing the comfort for the driver and passengers.
Do I need an HL tire on my electric vehicle?
If the vehicle comes factory equipped with a HL tire, then it should be replaced with a HL tire. Always refer to the vehicle tire placard or owner's manual to verify the proper tire size before replacing it.
A HL tire can also be used to replace an XL tire in a situation such as tire availability or usage need(summer or all season). This will provide additional load capacity beyond the XL tire.
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FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
HL tires are a tire designation developed specifically for electric vehicles whose weight exceeds what Extra Load (XL) tires can safely support at the same inflation pressure. The growth of larger battery packs has pushed some EV curb weights beyond what existing tire standards covered. HL tires carry more load than XL tires of the same size at the same pressure, achieved through reinforced internal construction, harder tread compounds, and optimized tire profiles.
Both carry more load than standard (SL) tires, but HL tires support more weight at the same inflation pressure than XL tires. This means an EV that weighs more than an XL tire can safely support in its size can be fitted with an HL tire of the same size rather than needing a larger tire or higher inflation pressure. HL tires are identified by the HL prefix before the size designation on the sidewall.
If your vehicle came with tires marked HL from the factory, replacements must also be HL-rated. The vehicle's door jamb sticker or owner's manual will specify the tire requirements. If neither source mentions HL, XL tires of the correct size and load index are likely sufficient — but confirm with an authorized dealer if you're uncertain. Installing a tire with lower load capacity than required is a safety issue.
The reinforced construction of HL tires can result in a slightly stiffer ride compared to standard or XL tires, as the firmer carcass transmits more road surface feedback. Michelin engineers its HL tires to balance this against ride quality through tread profile optimization and compound design. For the vehicles that require them, HL tires provide the load support necessary for safe operation — the handling trade-off is part of the engineering balance.
The tire operates beyond its rated load capacity. This accelerates wear, causes the tire to run at higher internal temperatures, and increases the risk of structural failure. The vehicle's weight pressing on an undersized tire is a safety issue that becomes more serious at higher speeds or in warm conditions where heat builds up faster. If your vehicle specifies HL tires, fit HL tires.
HL tires are a relatively recent standard and availability is growing as EV adoption increases. Michelin and other major manufacturers offer HL-rated options in a growing range of sizes. An authorized Michelin retailer can confirm availability for your specific vehicle size and specifications. As HL-equipped vehicles become more common in the fleet, the replacement tire supply continues to expand.
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