What is the core conflict in EV tyre design between natural and synthetic rubber?

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EV tyre design faces a trade-off between low rolling resistance and durability and noise control
Electric-vehicle tyre makers need rubber that supports longer range by reducing rolling resistance, but they also must handle EV-specific demands like abrasion from high torque and quieter operation. This creates a core conflict between natural rubber, which is described as having low hysteresis for lower rolling resistance, and synthetic rubber, which is described as stiffer and generating more internal friction for rolling resistance yet can be engineered for lower tyre noise and provides abrasion-resistant compounds for durability.
Natural rubber is favoured for range because it has low hysteresis
The key technical requirement for EV tyres is lower rolling resistance, because tyre flexing and deformation waste energy as heat and EVs are “focused on one thing: range.” Natural rubber is highlighted for “low hysteresis,” meaning it loses very little energy as heat, and is described as resilient and tough for wet roads. This makes it the preferred material when tyre makers prioritise range anxiety.
Synthetic rubber is used to address EV torque, durability, and acoustic comfort
EVs are described as heavier and quieter than traditional cars, so tyre noise becomes more noticeable. Synthetic rubber is said to be able to be engineered to be “whisper-quiet,” while natural rubber cannot match this easily. The same EV context also points to durability needs: the immense torque of electric motors can “shred ordinary tyres,” so EV tyres require abrasion-resistant compounds, with synthetics described as leaning better for this requirement.
Tyre makers must balance range anxiety with safety and comfort demands
The conflict is framed as a trap for tyre makers: they need natural rubber for low rolling resistance to satisfy range anxiety, but they also need synthetic rubber for durability and acoustic comfort. As EVs push tyres toward both lower energy loss and lower noise, the industry is portrayed as moving away from a single-material approach.
The likely direction is hybrid formulations rather than a full swap
The future path described is “reformulation,” not simple substitution, with EV tyres likely using natural rubber in the tread where rolling resistance matters most. Synthetic components are expected in the sidewall and inner liner to handle weight and silence. This hybrid direction is presented as the practical way to reconcile the natural-versus-synthetic conflict in EV tyre design.

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What is the core conflict in EV tyre design between natural and synthetic rubber?

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