Apollo Tyres introduced specific tyres for electric vehicles (EVS) for both, electric passenger vehicles and electric two-wheelers- Apollo Amperion and Apollo WAV respectively. Both the new range of tyres are designed with lesser rolling resistance, amounting to around 30 per cent, resulting in extended battery range of the vehicles. Additionally, the new range of tyres of EVs are equipped with an increased load bearing capacity at the tread, plies, and sidewalls to handle instant acceleration. Moreover, the new range of Apollo Amperion tyres for EVs has received a 5-star rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a new norm going forward for all vehicles sold in India. However, this new range will be an aftermarket fitment. At present, the company provides its tyres to Tata Motors and MG Motor India.
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Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd said, “Tyre design and manufacturing have always evolved along with the automobiles. Our teams have invested years of research to understand the changing dynamics and requirements of vehicles in EV space to perfect the product that we are launching today. We are already in discussions with multiple OEMs in India to supply these tyres for the electric vehicles and will be targeting for a lion's share in the EV space in India, in both PV and two-wheeler segments.”
Apollo Amperion claims to offer best-in-class rolling resistance, low noise, electric tread pattern design, and aerodynamic sidewall, that will cater to a range of segments within the EV space such as hatchbacks, and compact SUVs as well as sedans. Apollo claims the new range of Apollo Amperion tyres will be applicable to EVs like the Tata Nexon, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, and other upcoming EVs. The company will offer these tyres in both 16- and 17-inch wheel sizes.
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The Apollo WAV range of tyres for electric two-wheelers is designed for low rolling resistance, low weight, and high traction to resist the initial torque, ideal for high-powered electric scooters. These Apollo WAV range of tyres are ideal for electric scooters such as TVS iQube. Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450. Moreover, due to low demand at present, the company plans to develop electric motorcycle-specific tyres in the next phase, although a timeline is not yet confirmed. The company will offer these tyres in a 12-inch wheel size. 
The need for EV-specific tyres will increase in the future with the surge in sales for these alternatives of wheels as these tyres are different in terms of components used, tyre design, and construction. Moreover, EV tyres use the latest generation polymers, traction resin, and other raw materials to handle the instant acceleration of the EVs, and so require an improved tread pattern and rubber compounds. It also helps in increasing the battery range of the EV as it comes with increased load bearing capacity at the tread, plies, and sidewalls. 
Recently, JK Tyre also introduced EV-specific tyres smart radial tyres for electric cars, and aims to introduce a range of EV-specific tyres for buses, trucks, and LCVs. The company said that its new range of tyres for EVs cater to electric cars that require ultra-low rolling resistance with improved wet and dry traction aiding in the extended battery range of EVs.
