Apollo Tyres partners on EV tyre cut & chip test track

Apollo Tyres has announced a “significant partnership” with India’s National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX), one of the country’s leading providers of testing and validation services. The partners are establishing a test track for validating electric vehicle tyres and low rolling resistance tyres. According to Apollo Tyres, this dedicated testing facility for EV manufacturers is the first of its kind in India.

Evaluating cut and chip resistance of tyres is crucial for electric vehicles due to their unique characteristics, such as regenerative braking and high-speed acceleration. The facility will also evaluate cut and chip resistance of fuel-efficient tyres (Star label programme).

Unwavering commitment

During the inauguration of the facility at NATRAX, Satish Sharma, president of Apollo Tyres Ltd.’s Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region, underscored the company’s “unwavering commitment in providing exceptional products to customers worldwide.” He added that by investing in a cutting-edge testing facility, Apollo Tyres is demonstrating its “dedication to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction.” The facility will enable the company to fast-track development of tyres for OEMs, in particular for EVs, and low rolling resistance tyres, specifically designed for the Indian roads, taking into account the country’s unique road conditions and climate.

“This test track is uniquely designed to validate tyres in a consistent manner by mimicking real world conditions with split mu surfaces and gradients,” comments Daniele Lorenzetti, chief technology officer of Apollo Tyres Ltd. “This test track will help to reduce product development time, allowing Apollo Tyres to bring new products to market faster and more efficiently. This is a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced and competitive market. Furthermore, the joint development of this testing capability aligns with Apollo Tyres’ Electric Vehicle (EV) product journey for both domestic and international markets.”