No More Spare Tires?

Numerous automakers have chosen to remove traditional radios from their electric models due to concerns about interference with AM broadcast signals caused by the electric motor. This decision has raised eyebrows among policymakers. Furthermore, this transition is set to expedite the departure of another long-standing vehicle feature: the spare tire. The automotive industry shifted away from full-size spare tires years ago, favoring smaller "doughnuts" that enable cars to be driven to a repair or service location. However, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times, many of today's top-selling electric vehicles in the U.S., including Tesla models and those offered by German luxury automakers, no longer feature a spare tire at all. Honda officials have cited safety concerns as their rationale, asserting that a spare tire could potentially damage an electric vehicle's battery in the event of a collision. While this is a valid concern, experts interviewed by the Times suggest a more straightforward explanation: space is now at a premium, especially with the growing size of tires. Automakers are striving to maximize the mileage achievable from an electric vehicle battery. In many instances, modern drivers find themselves not needing a spare tire at all. Modern vehicles often come equipped with alternative, less cumbersome solutions, ranging from inflatable spares and run-flat tires to tire-patching kits. Nowadays, when most drivers encounter a flat tire, the prospect of fixing it themselves has become increasingly unlikely. Instead, as one researcher points out, they will simply summon assistance and pass the time during the repair "engaging with their smartphone."