Apollo Tyres launches tyre range for EVs

Apollo Tyres has introduced EV-specific tyres under two new brands – Amperion and WAV. While the former comprises tyres for electric passenger cars, the latter is targeted at electric two-wheelers.

The company has launched the Amperion range in two different tread sizes – 195mm and 215mm – both targeted at SUVs with R16 and R17 rim size profiles. The EV-specific tyres also feature a five-star BEE certification on parameters of low rolling resistance, wet-grip performance, as well road noise.

Apollo Tyres claims the Amperion range will enhance the range of the electric vehicle by up to 8 percent, owing to the special functionalised resin compound that offers better grip to handle instant torque application in case of EVs, as well as reduces rolling resistance. The tyres are also being claimed to offer high durability and withstand prolonged high load from the weight of the EV battery. The sidewall profile on the Apollo Amperion range is also recessed to lower the aerodynamic drag, therefore, achieving reduced resistance while rolling on the road.

The Apollo WAV two-wheeler tyre range, currently targeted at lectric scooters of the likes of the Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak, also features specialised design to offer low rolling resistance, as well as high traction to resist the initial torque in an EV. The company plans to develop EV tyres for motorcycles in the next phase once there are more electric motorcycle options in the market.

While pricing hasn’t been revealed, the Amperion and WAV tyres will be available for a 5 percent premium over the comparable tyres from Apollo’s range for combustion-engine-powered vehicles. The company will retail tyres from its widespread dealer and distribution network in India, and will also eye direct-OEM supplies for existing EV models like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV, as well as upcoming models in the passenger EV category.