Following news that Apollo will launch a new all-season, Vredestein-branded electric vehicle tire later in 2022, the manufacturer has also introduced EV tires for the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler markets in India – the Apollo Amperion for PV applications and the Apollo WAV range for two-wheelers.
The Amperion line will cater to EVs in the hatchback, compact SUV and sedan segments in India, such as the Tata Nexon, MG ZSE, Hyundai Kona and other upcoming models.
The Apollo WAV is designed for the majority of high-powered electric scooters available in the country, such as the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450. The tire maker plans to develop EV tires for motorcycles in the next phase of its development.
“Tire design and manufacturing have always evolved along with the automobiles,” said Satish Sharma, president, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres. “Our teams have invested years of research to understand the changing dynamics and requirements of vehicles in the EV space to perfect the product that we are launching. We are already in discussions with multiple OEMs in India to supply these tires, and will be targeting a lion’s share in the EV space in India, in both PV and two-wheeler segments.”
The tires feature a number of Apollo technologies. AQuT Tech is Apollo’s Quiet Tyre Technology, and uses advanced designs for the tire cavity, pattern and construction to reduce noise. The tire maker’s BEST Tech (Battery Energy Saver Technology) uses a low-rolling resistance technology package to extend battery range. Apollo’s R&D team has also used its design mood board philosophy for aesthetic inspiration – the Amperion design has been inspired by jellyfish, and the WAV is inspired by digital circuit board design.
