‘Europe’s first’ all-season EV tyre demonstrates Apollo Vredestein’s approach to growing market

Apollo Tyres’ 2022 launch of the Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV represented a first for the manufacturer as it brought to market Europe’s first dedicated all-season electric vehicle tyre. It has since added additional sizes to boost EV segment coverage. The tyre features a range of advanced design features and high-quality materials, delivering impressive levels of grip and traction in all conditions, while also promoting range via low rolling resistance and lighter construction. It is also designed for a quiet and comfortable ride. Apollo leveraged Vredestein’s experience in supplying all-season tyres dating back to the early 1990s, with the Quatrac Pro EV spearheading its move into specialised products for the emerging EV tyre segment, while also diversifying further its portfolio for the fast-growing European all-season tyre segment. “We are proud to pioneer this segment and will continue to lead the market with innovative products that cater for the next generation of vehicles,” Benoit Rivallant, president and CEO at Apollo Tyres Europe, told Tyres & Accessories.

Benoit Rivallant, president and CEO at Apollo Tyres Europe (Photo: Chris Anthony/Tyre Industry Publications)

T&A asked Rivallant whether Apollo prefers a specialised approach to EV tyres over a general implementation of EV-friendly technologies into an “eco tyre” range. Rivallant said: “Given the rapid rise in demand for electrified mobility across Europe, the line between EV-specific and conventional tyres has blurred. We develop products that cater to both the physical and dynamic properties of EVs and internal combustion vehicles and will continue to meet the needs and expectations of their respected owners. Although we have developed EV-specific products, our ‘standard’ tyres are trusted and relied upon by thousands of EV drivers around the world.

“In addition to our focused EV products, many of our Vredestein-branded tyres have been developed with high load ratings and low levels of rolling resistance and road noise, which are key attributes for an EV-specific tyre. Much like our all-season products, we strive to create tyres that can be used for a wide range of applications, including battery electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Despite the end of sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, there will still be significant demand for aftermarket products for ICE cars, which we will continue to support for the foreseeable future.”

With the rising popularity of EVs, driven by new legislation and climate change, Rivallant points out that the tyre industry is rethinking its approach to product development, with low rolling resistance, high load capacity and road noise now central to the buying process for EV tyres. For an all-season product in particular, these considerations must be joined with grip, durability and performance in wet and icy conditions. At the same time, tyres must be developed “to minimise environmental impact as much as possible across the entire lifecycle of the product,” Rivallant adds. The Quatrac Pro EV’s development process was streamlined via the company’s in-house simulation and prototyping platform at its Enschede R&D base. Rivallant adds that Apollo’s two manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and Hungary allow the company “to quickly scale with demand and produce tyres for the growing EV sector,” which he says will be of vital importance in retaining a leading position.

Apollo is also ensuring that its contact with the European tyre market helps to focus its EV tyre development. “Despite the ramp-up of interest in EV tyres, many motorists across Europe are still unaware of the importance of choosing the right tyres for their EV,” Rivallant says. “To raise awareness, we have conducted surveys in Europe to identify grey areas during the tyre-buying process and have used the information gathered to educate consumers on the different characteristics of EVs. We will continue to support our European customers, with the help of our established dealer network across the continent.”

The Quatrac Pro EV demonstrates how the focus on EV tyres is pushing the tyre industry beyond older definitions of what is meant by “eco tyres”. Rivallant says Vredestein tyres “are designed to offer impressive levels of rolling resistance, which benefits both ICE and electric vehicles,” with Apollo Tyres investing in a tyre portfolio to offer “extended range using advanced compounds, sophisticated tread designs and weight-saving construction.”

Rivallant continues: “Although mileage is important for all vehicles, EV drivers are particularly keen to explore how low rolling resistance can boost range. Our global R&D team has greatly increased the use of computer simulation to optimise rolling resistance to increase the driving range of both ICE and electric vehicles. For example, rolling resistance on the Quatrac Pro EV is 15 per cent lower than that of the best-performing non-EV Vredestein all-season tyre; achieved through a rapid iterative design approach to optimise critical performance characteristics.”