Apollo Tyres launches special tyres for electric cars, e-2 wheelers

Apollo Amperion, with its best-in-class rolling resistance, low noise, electric tread pattern design and aerodynamic sidewall, will cater to the EVs in hatchback, compact SUV and sedan segments in India, like Tata Nexon, MG ZSE, Hyundai Kona and other upcoming EVs. Apollo Amperion has also become the first Indian tyre to have received fuel savings label with 5-star rating for the PV category by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

Apollo WAV with its specialised design, low rolling resistance, low weight and high traction to resist the initial torque, will cater to the majority of high powered electric scooters available in the country, like TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450. The company plans to develop EV tyres for motorcycles in the next phase, considering the extremely low numbers in this category currently.

Commenting on the launch of EV tyres, Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd said, “Tyre design and manufacturing have always evolved along with the automobiles. Our teams have invested years of research to understand the changing dynamics and requirements of vehicles in EV space to perfect the product that we are launching today. We are already in discussions with multiple OEMs in India to supply these tyres for the electric vehicles, and will be targeting for a lion’s share in the EV space in India, in both PV and two-wheeler segments.”

Apollo Tyres has come out with distinctive technologies to build these products. ‘AQuT Tech’ (Apollo Quiet Tyre Technology), working on tyre cavity, pattern and construction to reduce Noise. Also developed ‘BEST Tech’ (Battery Energy Saver Technology), deployed using ultra low RR technology package which helps extends battery range of the electric vehicle. The R&D Team has used Design Mood Board philosophy for design inspiration. Apollo Amperion design has been inspired by Jellyfish, being the most energy efficient and silent creature, and Apollo WAV is inspired by digital circuit board design.

How are EV tyres different?

EV tyres might look similar to the ones used in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, they are very different in terms of components used, tyre design and construction. EV tyres use latest generation polymers, traction resin and other raw materials. To handle instant acceleration of the EVs, the tyres handle more torque, which means an improved tread pattern and rubber compounds. The EV tyres usually are designed with lesser rolling resistance, amounting to around 30%. This results in the EV tyres extending the battery range of the vehicles. The tyres for electric vehicles have increased load bearing capacity at the tread, plies and sidewalls.