Apollo Tires has launched new EV-specific tire ranges in India under two new sub-brands – Amperion and WAV. The Apollo Amperion is dedicated to electric passenger cars, while the Apollo WAV range is intended for electric two-wheelers.
The Apollo Amperion range comes in two different tread sizes – 195mm and 215mm – both aimed at SUVs with rim sizes R16 and R17. The EV-specific tires also have a five-star BEE certification on the parameters of low rolling resistance, wet grip performance and road noise.
Apollo Tires claims that Amperion will improve EV range by up to 8% due to the special functionalized resin compound which provides better grip to handle instant torque application in the event of EV, as well as reducing drag rolling. The tires are also claimed to offer great durability and the potential to withstand prolonged high loading due to the weight of the EV battery. The sidewall profile of the Apollo Amperion range is also recessed to reduce aerodynamic drag, thus achieving reduced resistance when rolling on the road.
The Apollo WAV range of two-wheel tires, currently for the Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak electric scooters, also feature a specialized design to provide low rolling resistance, as well as high traction to withstand initial torque in a EV. The company plans to develop EV tires for motorcycles in the next phase once there are more electric motorcycle options on the market.
Although exact pricing has not been revealed, Amperion and WAV tires will be available at a 5% premium over comparable tires in the Apollo range for combustion engine vehicles. The company will retail tires from its extensive dealer and distribution network in India, and will also consider OEM direct supplies for existing EV models such as the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV, as well as upcoming electric cars.
