Apollo Tyres has introduced specific tyres for electric vehicles (EVs) for both, passenger vehicles and two-wheelers in the Indian market. Apollo has launched the Amperion range of tyres for the PV segment whereas Apollo WAV range for the two-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 ZS EV, Hyundai Kona and other upcoming EVs. The Amperion has also become the first Indian tyre to have received a fuel savings label with a 5-star rating for the PV category by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), India.

Similarly, 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.

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.

You might wonder how are EV tyres different. Well, 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 the latest generation polymers, traction resin and other raw materials. To handle the 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.