Apollo Tires has launched a new EV-specific tire range in India under two new sub-brands – Emperion and WAV. The Apollo Emperion is dedicated to electric passenger cars, while the Apollo WAV range is targeted at electric two-wheelers.
The Apollo Emperion range is offered in two different tread sizes – 195mm and 215mm – both targeted at SUVs with R16 and R17 rim sizes. The EV-specific tires also get five-star BEE certification on parameters of low rolling resistance, wet-grip performance and road noise.
Apollo Tires claims that the Amperion will increase the range of the EV by up to 8%, thanks to the special functional resin compound that in the case of an EV provides better grip to handle immediate torque applications, while also reducing rolling resistance. The tires are also claimed to offer higher durability and the ability to withstand higher loads for a longer period of time than the weight of the EV battery. The sidewall profile on the Apollo Amperion range has also been removed to reduce aerodynamic drag, therefore, achieving less resistance when rolling down the road.
The Apollo WAV two-wheeler tire range, currently targeted at the likes of Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak e-scooter, features a high to resist starting torque along with a special design to offer low rolling resistance. There is traction too. EV. The company plans to develop EV tires for motorcycles in the next phase, when there will be more electric motorcycle options in the market.
While exact pricing has not been disclosed, the Amperion and WAV tires will be available at a 5% premium over comparable tires to Apollo’s range for combustion engine-powered vehicles. The company will retail the tires from its extensive dealer and distribution network in India, and will also be eyeing direct-OEM supplies for existing EV models such as the Tata Nexon EV, and MG ZS EV as well as upcoming EV cars.