Minimal rolling resistance, low noise, better range. Apollo Tires’ new EV-specific range offers many benefits to EV owners.
Posted Nov 14, 2022 7:10:00 PM
The East Coast Road, which connects Chennai to Pondicherry, is one of our favorite stretches. With great ocean views, sparse traffic and smooth tarmac, it’s a time to lift your spirits. Last month, we found ourselves on this same road again. This time, however, in addition to indulging in the pleasures of the road, we’re also checking out Apollo’s Amperion, one of the nation’s first tires specifically designed for electric vehicles.
The Amperion uses the latest generation polymers and tensile resin for low rolling resistance and, therefore, better range.
So, yes, it goes without saying that we were in an EV ourselves, and a terrific one to boot – the Tata Nexon EV Max – shod in Apollo Amperion. Wait, why would electric vehicles need tires specifically designed for them, and how are they different from regular tires?
Electric vehicles offer many obvious advantages, but there is also another side to the picture, particularly in the context of tires. Electric vehicles are significantly heavier than ICE vehicles, mainly due to the weight of the batteries, and this instantaneous torque, which enthusiasts keep raving about, leads to greater tire wear. Although EV tires may resemble the tires used by ICE vehicles, they are markedly different in tire design, components used and construction.
The Amperion’s improved tread and rubber compounds help it handle the instantaneous acceleration of an electric vehicle.
The Apollo Amperion, for example, uses the latest generation polymers, tensile resin and other raw materials. And, to handle the instantaneous acceleration of EVs, the Amperion also has an improved tread pattern and rubber compounds. The Amperion range, available in 195mm and 215mm tread sizes, in R16 and R17 rim profiles, uses high traction full silica rubber for its tread compound.
The Amperion, whose design is inspired by jellyfish, is considered one of the most energy efficient and quietest creatures, and also has less rolling resistance, amounting to around 30%. This consequently improves the performance of the EV and extends its battery life. Apollo calls the ultra-low rolling resistance technology package BEST Tech (Battery Energy Saver Technology).
Another attribute that helps the Amperion achieve reduced drag on the road is its recessed profile, which helps reduce aerodynamic drag. The Amperion is not only among the first EV specific tires to be launched in India, it is also the first range of EV tires to receive a 5 star rating for all sizes published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
The Apollo Amperion accentuates the relaxing drive characteristic of an electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles such as the Tata Nexon provide quiet and relaxing rides, and tires such as the Amperion enhance the experience. The Amperion is equipped with AQuT (Apollo Quiet Tire Technology), which works on the tire cavity, tread and construction to reduce noise. The Amperion’s tread is stiffer and has a larger footprint with multiple step sequences to achieve desired low noise requirements, in addition to helping achieve low rolling resistance and high traction.
In ICE vehicles, tire noise is subsumed by engine roar, but in an EV the former is very noticeable and Apollo has done a commendable job of elevating the serenity inside EVs. But the Amperion’s trick up the sleeve isn’t just low noise – according to Apollo, Amperion tires are able to improve EV range by up to 8%. Which is, of course, what got us curious in the first place and led to this drive we’re on.
Long story short, Amperion tires made ECR riding a memorable experience. Our plan was to drive to Pondicherry and back with a single charge, then take stock with our previous tests with the Nexon EV Max. (The Nexon EV Max had covered 263 km in June.) We stuck to City and Eco modes during our run, and after a quick lunch in Pondicherry, we rode up the ECR, keeping an eye on the odo all the way. time. The final numbers were quite impressive. The Nexon EV Max achieved a range of 280km, about 5% more than our previous actual test figure of 263km. Clearly, there are benefits to thinking differently when it comes to EV tires, and Apollo has shown that it pays dividends as well.
Hitesh Joshi, Head of R&D at Apollo Tires, explains how the Amperion enhances the EV experience.
What are the main features of the Apollo Amperion?
Apollo Amperion tires are specifically designed for electric vehicles, which have different performance requirements than regular ICE vehicles. EV tires must meet specific expectations for range, traction, as well as toughness and durability due to the difference in weight between an EV and ICE vehicle.
What are the main differences between a regular tire and a tire specifically designed for electric vehicles, like the Amperion?
The biggest expectation is battery range. The tires have been designed with best-in-class rolling resistance specifically for electric vehicles and customers can expect the tires to extend battery life by at least 5%. We also took into account the additional traction requirement, as motor torque is quite high in electric vehicles, as well as the fact that they weigh more than ICE vehicles. Thus, it helps electric vehicles to brake at the right distance, ensuring that regenerative braking also comes into play seamlessly. Tire load capacities are also excellent and we designed them with Indian conditions in mind.
In terms of construction, how is the Amperion different?
We use a specific full silica tread technology to ensure we get the right traction and rolling resistance. In addition to the all-silica tread, we also use fourth-generation polymer technology and functionalized resins, which give the tire high traction, in addition to other properties. So that is the main difference in this style. Going back to the construction, we have also reinforced the tire for Indian road conditions and to ensure the desired traction and handling.
How does the Amperion help extend battery life?
When we designed the Amperion, we worked hard to improve material technology and design. The cavity design of the tire allows it to provide much better aerodynamic drag force. And it helps reduce overall rolling resistance.
Also see:
Range of Apollo Tramplr motorcycle tires tested
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