Why do electric cars in Australia not come with a spare tire?

Have you ever noticed that electric cars in Australia don't come with a spare tire? If so, you're not alone. Many electric car owners have wondered why their vehicle doesn't come with a spare, especially since most gasoline-powered cars do. There are a few reasons why electric cars in Australia may not come with a spare tire:

Weight: One of the main reasons is to save weight and increase the range of the vehicle. A spare tire can weigh as much as 20 kilograms, and every kilogram of weight that is added to an electric car reduces its range by about 1 kilometer. By not including a spare tire, electric car manufacturers can increase the range of the vehicle and make it more appealing to consumers.
Cost: Another reason is to reduce the cost of the vehicle. A spare tire is an added cost, and by not including one, manufacturers can offer the car at a lower price point.
Reliability: Electric cars are generally more reliable than gasoline-powered cars, as they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to breakdowns. This means that the need for a spare tire may be less common.
Tire repair kits: Some electric cars come with a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire. These kits include a sealant that can be used to fix a puncture and a compressor that can be used to inflate the tire. While these kits may not be suitable for all types of tire damage, they can be a useful alternative to a spare tire in some cases.

It's worth noting that while electric cars in Australia may not come with a spare tire, they do come with a roadside assistance package. This package includes tire repair and replacement services, so if you do have a flat tire, help is just a phone call away.

In Australia, if you experience a flat tire with a Tesla vehicle, you can simply report it through the Tesla app and a service vehicle will be sent out to exchange your whole wheel with a temporary one. The original wheel will be returned to you at a later time, probably later that same day.

Overall, the lack of a spare tire in electric cars is a trade-off that manufacturers make to save weight, reduce cost, and increase range. While it may be a surprise to some car buyers, the reliance on tire repair kits and roadside assistance can provide a suitable alternative in many cases.