OAK PARK, Mich. — Private-brand and wholesale tire distributor Turbo Wholesale Tires is rolling out its first dedicated electric-vehicle (EV) tire line, the Lexani Volt-EC, in 22 sizes.
Seen as "halo" product for the brand, the Y speed-rated Volt-EC is designed to elevate EV performance, extend range and improve passenger comfort, Turbo Wholesale said. It's being manufactured in Thailand by Turbo's manufacturing partner Sentury Tire Co.
It features an EV-specific performance balance, optimizing weight distribution for enhanced traction and stability. With ultra-low rolling resistance, it boosts efficiency and range, Turbo Wholesale said, without quantifying the gains.
The tire's "advanced" tread pattern offers "superior" wet weather safety and reduced noise generation for a quiet ride.
The product launches in sizes covering 18- to 22-inch rim diameter SKUs, ranging from 235/45ZR18 to 285/35ZR22. All sizes carry an XL load index.
Pricing information was not disclosed at this time. Turbo Wholesale considers most of its products to be in the Tier 3 category.
Turbo Wholesale presaged the Volt-EC at an event in June 2023 at its headquarters in Irwindale, Calif. The product is now stocked in Turbo's U.S. D/Cs and ready for shipping.
The Volt-EC's public debut came at an open house at the company's wholesale distribution center in Oak Park, a 275,000-sq.-ft. facility opened in 2022 by Tire Wholesalers Inc. Turbo Wholesale acquired TWI last summer.
The Volt-EC embodies Lexani's "commitment to innovation, merging performance, efficiency and safety in a tire that sets new standards for the electric vehicle experience," the company said in its promotional literature.
Among the vehicles targeted at the Tesla Model 3, Mustang Mach-E and Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt, even the Volt went out of production in 2019.
