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⚡ EV Optimised B Wet Grip Yokohama Tech

EP FOUNDER CE101 Electric Vehicle Tyres

Purpose-built for EVs – not relabelled passenger tyres. Foam noise-dampening layer for silent cabin, reinforced sidewalls for battery weight, low rolling resistance for maximum range. Yokohama-engineered with ISO 17025 certification. Perfect for Tesla Model 3/Y, BYD Atto 3, Nissan Leaf.

480 A A UTQG Rating
B GRADE EU Wet Grip
B GRADE EU Fuel (Range)
8 SIZES 17" to 21"
Tesla Model 3/Y BYD Atto 3 Nissan Leaf Hyundai Ioniq Polestar 2 MG ZS EV Kia EV6
Anchee EP Founder CE101 Electric Vehicle Tyre
🚚 Free NI Delivery
5.0/5 Reviews
🛡️ 5-Year Warranty
🔧 Fitting Available

📖 EP FOUNDER CE101 EV TYRE – COMPLETE NZ BUYING GUIDE

Everything you need to know about NZ's best-value electric vehicle tyre. Whether you're driving a Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, or Nissan Leaf – this guide covers why EVs need specific tyres, what makes the EP Founder different, and how it compares to premium alternatives costing 2-3× more.

⚡ WHY ELECTRIC VEHICLES NEED SPECIFIC TYRES

Electric vehicle - Cybertruck on road

Electric vehicles aren't just cars with batteries – they have fundamentally different characteristics that standard tyres aren't designed to handle:

⚖️
300-500kg Heavier
Battery packs add significant weight. Standard tyres compress and wear faster under this load.
Instant Torque
EVs deliver 100% torque from 0 rpm. This tears through standard tyre compounds 20-30% faster.
🔇
Silent Drivetrain
No engine noise means road noise from tyres is now the dominant sound in the cabin.
🔋
Range Anxiety
Rolling resistance directly impacts battery range – the wrong tyres can cost you 5-15% of your range.
🔋 The EP Founder CE101 addresses all four issues: Reinforced XL construction for extra weight, EV-specific compound for instant torque, foam noise-dampening layer for quiet cabin, and B-grade rolling resistance for maximum range.

📊 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specification EP Founder CE101 Rating
UTQG Treadwear 480 (Excellent)
UTQG Traction A (Best)
UTQG Temperature A (Best)
EU Wet Grip B (Excellent)
EU Fuel Efficiency B-C (Very Good)
Noise Dampening Foam Layer Equipped
Pattern Type Asymmetric
Construction XL (Extra Load)
Compound Carbon-Silica EV Compound
Speed Rating W-Y (270-300 km/h)
Warranty 5 Years
💡 ISO 17025 Certification: The EP Founder is tested in an ISO 17025 certified laboratory – the same international standard used by Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone. This isn't marketing – it's verified performance data you can trust. Learn more about tyre grades →
Wet Grip
8.5
Range Efficiency
8.8
Noise Level
9.0
Value
9.3

🚗 VEHICLE FITMENTS

The EP Founder CE101 fits NZ's most popular electric vehicles. Here are the recommended sizes by vehicle:

🇺🇸 Tesla

Tesla Model 3
235/45R18 (18" Aero) • 245/45R19 (19" Sport) • 235/40R19
Most common: 235/45R18 for standard range, 245/45R19 for Long Range
Tesla Model Y
255/45R19 • 255/40R20 • 255/35R21
Most common: 255/45R19 for Gemini wheels

🇨🇳 Chinese EVs

BYD Atto 3
215/55R18 • 235/50R18
215/55R18 fits Extended Range models
BYD Dolphin
205/55R16 • 215/55R17
Smaller sizes – check AC808 or AC218 for these
MG ZS EV / MG4
215/55R17 • 215/50R18 • 245/45R18
ZS EV: 215/55R17 • MG4: 215/50R18

🇰🇷 Korean EVs

Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6
235/55R19 • 255/45R20 • 275/40R20
Base: 235/55R19 • Long Range: 255/45R20
Kia EV6
235/55R19 • 255/45R20 • 255/40R21
Air: 235/55R19 • GT-Line: 255/45R20
Hyundai Kona EV / Kia Niro EV
215/55R17 • 235/45R18
Most common: 215/55R17

🇯🇵 Japanese EVs

Nissan Leaf (ZE1)
205/55R16 • 215/50R17 • 215/45R18
40kWh: 205/55R16 • 62kWh e+: 215/50R17
Nissan Ariya
235/55R19 • 255/45R20
Standard: 235/55R19

🇪🇺 European EVs

Polestar 2
245/45R19 • 245/40R20
Standard: 245/45R19 • Performance: 245/40R20
VW ID.4 / ID.5
235/55R19 • 255/45R20 • 255/40R21
Pro: 235/55R19 • GTX: 255/40R21
⚠️ Not sure of your EV's tyre size? Check your door placard (driver's door jamb) or use our Tyre Size Calculator. Tesla owners: your size is shown in the touchscreen under Service → Wheel & Tyre.

⚔️ EP FOUNDER VS COMPETITORS

How does the EP Founder CE101 compare to other EV tyres available in New Zealand? Here's an honest comparison:

Spec EP Founder CE101 Continental EcoContact 6 Q Michelin Pilot Sport EV
EU Wet Grip B A A
EU Fuel (Range) B-C A A-B
Foam Layer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
UTQG 480 A A N/A 340 A A
Warranty 5 years 6 years 6 years
NZ Stock ✅ In Stock ⚠️ Often backordered ⚠️ Limited sizes

Bottom line: The EP Founder CE101 delivers premium EV tyre performance at exceptional value. For EV owners who want proper EV-specific tyres with the foam noise layer, reinforced construction, and low rolling resistance – the things that actually matter for daily driving – it's the smart choice.

💡 Range Impact: Switching from standard tyres to proper EV tyres can improve your range by 5-10%. On a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, that's potentially an extra 25-50km per charge. Read our full EV Tyre Guide →

⭐ CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Real feedback from verified NZ EV owners. 5.0/5 average rating on Google (250+ total reviews).

★★★★★

"Finally, an EV tyre that doesn't cost a fortune. Fitted to my Model 3 and the road noise is noticeably quieter than the factory Michelins. Range seems the same. Very happy."

James C. – Auckland, Tesla Model 3, 235/45R18
★★★★★

"Great service from Tyre Dispatch. The EP Founders work perfectly on my Leaf. Quiet, grippy in the wet, and saved me hundreds compared to Bridgestone."

Sarah T. – Wellington, Nissan Leaf
★★★★★

"Second set of Anchee tyres for our family. First was AC858 on the Ranger, now EP Founders on the Atto 3. Both excellent value. Fast delivery too."

Mike & Lisa – Tauranga, BYD Atto 3
★★★★★

"Did a lot of research on EV tyres. The EP Founder has the foam layer and XL rating at a fraction of premium brand prices. No brainer for my Ioniq."

David L. – Hamilton, Hyundai Ioniq 5

Read all 250+ Google reviews →

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Technically yes, but you'll experience 20-30% faster wear (EVs are heavier and have instant torque), reduced range (higher rolling resistance), and more road noise (no foam layer). EV-specific tyres like the EP Founder are designed to handle these challenges – they last longer and perform better on electric vehicles.
If you're replacing worn tyres or standard passenger tyres, yes – you may see a 5-10% range improvement. The EP Founder's B-grade rolling resistance is optimised for efficiency. However, if you're already on premium EV tyres like Continental EcoContact 6, the difference will be marginal.
The internal polyurethane foam absorbs road vibrations before they reach the cabin. EVs don't have engine noise to mask road noise, so tyres become the primary noise source. The foam layer can reduce interior noise by 3-5 decibels – a noticeable difference in cabin refinement.
With the UTQG 480 treadwear rating and EV-specific compound, expect 50,000-65,000km with regular rotation. EVs can be hard on front tyres (instant torque), so rotate every 8,000-10,000km rather than the 10,000-12,000km typical for ICE vehicles.
Yes – we stock 235/45R18 for Model 3 with 18" Aero wheels and 245/45R19 for the 19" Sport wheels. These are direct replacements for the factory tyres. Same load rating, same speed rating.
Yes – fitting and balancing at our Te Puke workshop for $35/tyre. We also deliver free to the North Island (South Island from $10/tyre), so you can have them fitted at your preferred local tyre shop or mobile fitter.
5-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This is the same warranty period as Continental and longer than some premium brands.

Written by Taylor Houghton, Director at Tyre Dispatch

Last updated: 28 December 2025

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