EV tyre awareness low amongst UK motorists

In the run-up to the launch of its first Vredestein tyre developed specifically for electric vehicles (EV), Apollo Tyres asked 1,000 motorists if they were aware that such products even exist. The response wasn’t encouraging, with the results suggesting that 82 per cent of UK motorists are unaware it is possible to purchase specifically-developed EV tyres.

Awareness of these products is even lower among non-EV drivers. 86 per cent of petrol and diesel car owners said that they were not aware of EV-specific tyres, compared to 62 per cent of battery electric vehicle and hybrid car owners. The survey also found that younger people are more likely to be aware of EV-specific tyres, with 56 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 are aware of these new products, compared to just nine per cent of those aged 55 to 64. In addition, 21 per cent of men are aware of EV tyres, compared to 14 per cent of women.

Despite the lack of knowledge about EV tyres, once made aware, 54 per cent of motorists surveyed by Apollo Tyres said they should be fitted as standard to all EVs. Furthermore, 40% per cent 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.

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.

“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,” comments Yves Pouliquen, head of sales and marketing at Apollo Tyres. “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 brand has been present within the all-season market since its inception in the early 1990s, and Apollo Tyres’ aim is to continue drawing upon this knowledge of winter and summer tyres to produce award-winning four-season products that retain premium performance capabilities whatever the conditions. The tyre maker says this all-season expertise is now being harnessed to bring new levels of innovation to the EV tyre segment.