- Apollo Tyres survey: only 18% of motorists know you can purchase tyres optimised for EVs
- Awareness much higher among EV drivers, but 62% still don’t know about this growing class of tyre products
- Apollo Tyres plans to launch an EV-specific tyre later in 2022
Amsterdam, 5 September 2022 – New consumer research from Apollo Tyres has identified that 82% of motorists in the UK are unaware that it is possible to purchase tyres specifically developed for electric vehicles (EV). The company polled 1,000 motorists to establish awareness of EV tyres and issues related to their use.
Awareness of these products is even lower among non-EV drivers. 86% of petrol and diesel car owners said that they were not aware of EV-specific tyres, compared to 62% of battery electric vehicle and hybrid car owners.
The survey found that younger people are more likely to be aware of EV-specific tyres. 56% of those aged 18 to 24 are aware of these new products, compared to just 9% of those aged 55 to 64. In addition, 21% of men are aware of EV tyres, compared to 14% of women.
Despite the lack of knowledge about EV tyres, once made aware of them a majority (54%) of motorists surveyed by Apollo Tyres believe that they should be fitted as standard to all EVs. Furthermore, 40% of those who drive an internal combustion engine car say that when they make the switch to an EV, they would prefer it to be fitted with tyres that had been developed specifically for use on an EV, even if they cost more than conventional tyres.
The benefits of EV tyres
EV tyres are designed to address some of the key characteristics of plug-in vehicles, and the needs and expectations of those who drive them. For example, EVs typically weigh more, generate higher torque from standstill and deliver greater straight-line acceleration, all placing increased load on the tyre. EVs create little noise from their zero-emissions powertrain so other sources of noise – including the tyres – become more noticeable for vehicle occupants. EV owners also value any means by which they can maximise driving range between charges, so rolling resistance becomes an even more important requirement.
While Apollo Tyres’ existing range of Vredestein passenger car tyres are suitable for use on EVs, later in 2022 the company will launch an all-new, all-season Vredestein EV tyre to address the specific attributes of plug-in cars. Apollo Tyres is currently working closely with leading car manufacturers as part of a major new research and development programme for the tyre. Ahead of its launch, the new Vredestein EV tyre is being evaluated through computer simulation and at dedicated hot- and cold-weather test facilities around the world.
Yves Pouliquen, Head of Sales and Marketing at Apollo Tyres, comments: “EV-specific tyres have the potential to deliver useful new benefits for owners of plug-in vehicles, and our survey suggests that once informed about EV tyres, motorists quickly appreciate the benefits. As we transition towards a future dominated by EVs, it is evident that we must help motorists understand the properties of different types of tyre so they can make the most of the benefits.”
The Vredestein premium tyre brand has been at the forefront of the all-season market since its inception in the early 1990s, and Apollo Tyres continues to draw upon its knowledge of winter and summer tyres to produce award-winning four-season products that retain premium performance capabilities whatever the conditions. This all-season expertise is now being harnessed to bring new levels of innovation to the EV tyre segment.
Anicecommunication – Press Office Apollo Tyres | Vredestein Italy
